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HUBERT HENRY DAVIES 


CAPTAIN DREW 
ON LEAVE 



BAKER’S LIBRARY EDITION 


Walter H. Baker Company, Boston 


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Captain Drew on Leave 

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B V THE SAME A UTHOR 
Uniform with this Volume 


Cousin Kate 

Mrs. Gorringe’s Necklace 
The Mollusc 
A Single Man 
Lady Epping’s Lawsuit 



Captain Drew on Leave 


A Comedy in Four Acts 


By 

HUBERT HENRY DAVIES 


Copyright, 1924, by Walter H. Baker Company 


All rights reserved 


Caution : Professionals and amateurs are hereby warned 
that “Captain Drew, on Leave,” being fully protected 
under the copyright laws of the United States of America, 
Great Britain and the Dominion of Canada, is subject to a 
royalty, and anyone presenting the play without the con¬ 
sent of the owners or their authorized agents will be liable 
to the penalties by law provided. Applications for the 
amateur acting rights must be made to Walter H. Baker 
Company, 9 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts. 


BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER COMPANY 

1924 


Made in U. S. A. 





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ROYALTY NOTICE 

Especial notice should be taken that the 
possession of this book without a valid con¬ 
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or license to professionals or amateurs to 
produce the play publicly or in private for 
gain or charity. 

In its present form this play is dedicated 
to the reading public only, and no perform¬ 
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This play may be presented by amateurs upon payment 
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Captain Drew on Leave 


CHARACTERS 


(As originally produced , October 24, the 

New Theatre , London.) 


Captain Drew, R. N. 

Mr. White 
Mr. Hassell 
Mr. Moxon 

By Arrangement with Messrs, 

Maid. 

Mrs. Moxon 
Miss Mills 


. Charles Wyndham. 

. Mr. A. Vane-Tempest. 
. Mr. Eille Norwood, 
Mr. Louis Calvert. 

Vedrenne Barker. 

. . Miss V. Salberg. 

. Miss Marion Terry. 

Miss Mary Moore. 


Acts I, II and IV. Mrs. Moxon’s drawing-room. 
One month passes between Acts I and II. There is no 
interval of time between Acts II and III. 

Act III. The studio in Mr. White's garden. A night 
passes between Acts III and IV. 

The action takes place in a rural district of England, 
in summer time. 


Period. —The present day. 







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I 


Captain Drew on Leave 


THE FIRST ACT 

SCENE.— Mrs. Moxon’s drawing-room. It is 
a pleasant room in a substantial country 
house. The furniture is goody but not new, 
and rather early Victorian in style. An open 
French window leads to the garden. The 
fireplace is filled with potted plants, with two 
armchairs either side of it. There is a round 
seat with places for three people to sit bach to 
bach. On a round table with a shelf under it 
reposes a stout leather photograph album , a 
vase of roses and two or three boohs. By the 
fireplace, there is a large round worh-bashet 
containing sheins of red wool. A large 
framed photograph of Queen Victoria is in a 
prominent place on the bach wall. 

As the curtain rises enter CAPTAIN Drew, R. N. ? 
and Ernest White. Drew is a breezy, 
high-spirited man about forty-five, rather 
weather-beaten in appearance and young in 
manner. He wears civilian dress. WHITE 

7 



8 


CAPTA/JV DREW ON LEAVE 


is rather younger. He has a good appear¬ 
ance ; in manner he is fussy , and apt to be 
anxious. 

Drew. 

Yon never told me who these people are. 
Who is it that you’ve brought me to see ? 

White. 

The Moxons. 

Drew. 

Any daughters ? 

White. 

No. Just Mr. and Mrs. Moxon and their 
two little boys. They’re nice, simple people— 
rather dull, but very kind. 

Drew. 

I told you to take me to see some girls. 

White. 

Keally, Hal—the way you go on about girls 
is hardly nice. 

Drew. 

If you’d been out of England months and 
months at a stretch and seen no one but your 
own ship’s crew and the sort of people one 
meets in the South American ports, you’d un- 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


9 


derstand what women mean to ns when we 
come home. And it’s a great chance for the 
girls. Even the plain ones pass for pretty— 
and the beauties—what angels the little devils 
look! 


White. 

['Looking toward the door and window un¬ 
easily to see if they are overheard .] Do be 
careful. 

Drew. 

From your description of the Moxons I shan’t 
need to hold myself in very hard. 

White. 

[-Diffidently .] There’s a Miss Mills—a friend 
of theirs, such a fascinating girl. 

Drew. 

Then let us leave cards on the Moxons and 
go and call on Miss Mills. 

White. 

But she’s staying here. 

Drew. 

\_Delighted.\ Miss Mills is ? 

White. 

Yes. [Smiling i] She’s so pretty. 


10 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Drew. 

[Smiling.] Ah! 


White. 

And quite an heiress. 

Drew. 

She’ll do. 

White. 

[-Looking uneasily at Drew.] I didn’t know 
you were thinking of getting married. 

Drew. 

I’m not. 

White. 

Miss Mills, of course, is a lady. 

Drew. 

Just what I’m looking for; a woman who 
can appreciate the finer shades of love-making. 
[Turning to the window and indicating the 
mew from it .] And in these woods and lanes 
of yours—what chances ! 

White 

[Trying to be severe aud shaking his head at 
Drew.] Now, Hal, I can’t introduce you here 
if you are going to begin any of your wicked¬ 
ness. I won’t take the responsibility. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 11 

Drew. 

[Mocking White good-humoredly by shaking 
his head at him.\ There won’t be any respon¬ 
sibility. [He pauses and smiles as he adds .] 
My indiscretions are always discreet. 

White. 

I shall warn Miss Mills. 

Drew. 

Are you her guardian ? 

White. 

[Embarrassed^ I can hardly call myself 
that—yet. 

Drew. 

Oh, I see. I won’t spoil your game, of 
course. I renounce Miss Mills. It’s hard to 
give her up so soon. But if you want her, 

I’ll- [He pauses and says cheerfully .] 

I’ll make love to Mrs. Moxon. [White 
laughs.] Why not ? 

White. 

Wait till you see her. 

Drew. 

Is she such a fright ? 



12 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


White. 

Oh, no. She’s a very nice woman, and not 
at all bad looking. 

Drew. 

Then I see no reason against it. 

White. 

She’s not the kind of woman that even a 
sailor would think of making love to. 

Drew. 

I admit no such kind. 

White. 

She’s so proper. 

Drew. 

Oh, but I could tell ^ou the most surprising 

cases. [ He glances quickly at the door and 
window , moves nearer to White, and lowers 
his voice a little .] I once met a missionary on 
her way to Japan- 

White. 

[.Interrupting him .] Yes, yes. I know that 
story. [Ms Drew moves away , smiling to him¬ 
self , White continues.'] But with Mrs. Moxon 
it’s not only that she is so straight-laced. It’s 
her nature. She never thinks about men—in 
that way. 



CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


13 

Drew. 

[.Turning to White.] How do you know 
what way she thinks about them ? 

White. 

You can always tell a woman by the way 
she walks and talks and looks at you, and by 
the kind of clothes she wears. Mrs. Moxon’s 
dresses look as if she chose them solely for 
their durability. 

Drew. 

And a very good thing to choose them for. 

White. 

She fastens her hat on with elastic. 

Drew. 

Much better than those long beastly hatpins. 
I nearly had my eye put out in Portsmouth. 

White. 

Anyhow, it’s no use trying to make an im¬ 
pression on Mrs. Moxon—because you can’t. 

Drew. 

[Annoyed.] Don’t tell me I can’t. It an¬ 
noys me to be told I can’t do things. You 
think a woman isn’t a woman unless she’s a 
pretty girl, like that insipid little what’s-her- 
name—the heiress. 


14 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


White. 

[ Indignantly .] Oh—you’ve no right to run 
down Miss Mills in that way. 

Drew. 

You ran down my Mrs. Moxon. 

White. 

I didn’t. I only told you the kind of woman 
she is, and even if she wasn’t—you are not at 
all the kind of man she’d approve of. 

Drew. 

Is it your experience that women invariably 
fall in love with the men they approve of ? 

White. 

Y ou seem very sure of a conquest. 

Drew. 

You think that’s vanity. It’s not. It’s science. 
Any man can make any woman fall in love 
with him, provided she is not in love with 
some one else. It’s only a question of using 
the right method. Most men have only one 
method for all women. They go bungling 
along with a vague idea that women are all 
alike. Why, you might as well say that the 
cat tribe contains only the ordinary household 
cat. You must classify your woman before 


CAPTAIJV DREW ON LEAVE 


15 


you go ahead—flirt, prude, sentimentalist, hys¬ 
teric, and so on. If you do it carefully—you 
never need get scratched. 

White. 

You know there’s a Mr. Moxon ? 

Drew. 

Oh, yes. What sort of fellow is Moxon ? 

[Enter Mr. and Mrs. Moxon. Moxon 
enters first. He is a la/rge man about 
forty, rather dull a/nd heavy, but not 
bad-natured. His ungallant manner 
toward his wife is not the result of 
cruelty or dislike, but of indifference, 
owing to their long uninteresting union. 
He wears country clothes—a brown or 
gray suit. His clothes are of good 
quality, but he evidently takes no care 
of his appearance. His suit needs 
pressing, and he is not trim about the 
neck. Mrs. Moxon follows her hus¬ 
band on and closes the door. She is 
a gentle but apparently uninteresting 
creature whose mind and emotions 
have become sluggish. In appearance 
she is dowdy but not eccentric. She 
wears a dull cloth dress, with no pre¬ 
tensions to style. Her hair is unbe- 
comingly done, but her appearance is 
not untidy. 


l6 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 

White. 

[Going toward the Moxons, shakes hands 
with Moxon.] Ah, Moxon—may I introduce 
my cousin, Captain Drew. 

Moxon. 

Oh. [Going toward Drew.] Very pleased 
to make your acquaintance. 

Drew. 

Thanks. [Drew is about to go and shake 
hands with Mrs. Moxon when Moxon inter¬ 
poses his own hand.\ Oh, how T d’ye do ? 

[He shakes hands with Moxon, then with 
Mrs. Moxon. 

Moxon. 

I understand it’s some time since you were in 
dear, old England. 

Drew. 

I’ve scarcely been at home at all for years. 
So as soon as I arrived I went straight off to 
London on the bust. [White coughs warn- 
ingly ] I should say I’ve been spending a few 
most agreeable days in London, and I drifted 
down here yesterday. 

Moxon. 

Yesterday—ah. And what are you going to 
do with yourself in this dull place ? 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


17 


Drew. 

[Glancing at White.] Ernest and I were 
just discussing that. 

White. 

[ Hurriedly .] We shall ride and play golf 
and go for walks. 

Drew. 

In the daytime. {Glances <z£Mrs. Moxox.] 
But, of course, there are the evenings. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

There are several nice games that two can 
play. [Drew smiles at White. 

White. 

She means you and me. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

There is chess, or draughts, or dominoes, or 
bezique, or- 

Moxox. 

{To Mrs. Moxox.] We are all waiting for 
you to sit down. 

[Mrs. Moxox immediately seats herself 
near the table. The others also sit 
down. 

Drew. 

What jolly country it is about here! 


i8 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Mrs. Moxon. 


Is it not ? 


Drew. 

The only thing that spoils it is that great, 
ugly ironworks, or whatever it is, over there. 

[Points to the window. 

White. 

Oh! 

Drew. 

[Turning to White.] Eh ? 

Moxox. 

[ With dignity .] That is my Bleach Works. 


Drew. 

[Wot knowing what to say.~\ Oh! Yon 
bleach, do yon? Ah, charming profession. 
[To White.] Ernest, why don’t yon bleach or 
do something useful ? 

White. 

[Helplessly^ I can’t work. It would be no 
use me trying. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Complacently .] I think every one should 
do some work. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


19 


Moxox. 

[Looking at White with disapproval.'] Cer¬ 
tainly. 

[Enter Miss Mills. She. is a pretty, 
coquettish young woman , stylishly 
dressed. She wears her hat. 

Miss Mills. 

W ell, here you all are ! 

White. 

[Rising and going to meet Miss Mills, he 
says effusively.] Oh, Miss Mills. How do you 
do ? I’m so pleased. 

Miss Mills. 

[Taking no notice of W hite, but smiling at 
Drew, who rises as she enters.] Will you in¬ 
troduce me, please ? 

Moxox. 

[To Mrs. Moxox.] Aren’t you going to ? 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Confused and hesitating at being suddenly 
called upon.] Oh! 

White. 

[Introducing them.] Captain Drew, Miss 
Mills. 

[Miss Mills goes quickly toward Drew 
and shakes hands with him. 


20 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Miss Mills. 

I suppose you thought I was Mrs. Moxon’s 
daughter ? 

Drew. 

[ Embarrassed.] Oh, no. [Miss Mills looks 
slightly piqued .] Not that you look too old to 
be her daughter. [Miss Mills smiles. Mrs. 
Moxon looks toward Drew.] Only she looks 
too young to be your mother. [Mrs. Moxoh 
looks away , indifferent to the compliment 
Drew says to Miss Mills.] Please don’t ask 
me any more like that. 

White. 

[Approaching Miss Mills and smiling .] 
Well, Miss Mills. 

Miss Mills. 

[Distantly to White.] Quite well, thank 
you. [ To Drew.] Shall we sit down, Captain 
Drew ? 

[She moves to the round seat Drew 
follows her and they sit . 

White. 

It is so unfortunate. You know, I’ve only 
furnished one bedroom at my place at present, 
the one I use myself—so I’ve had to do a make¬ 
shift for Hal. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


21 


Moxox. 

I suppose a sailor can curl up anywhere. 

Miss Mills. 

[ Who keeps looking admiringly at Drew.] 
Just slings up a hammock, I expect. 

Drew. 

He loves a real bed, one that he can kick 
about in. 

Miss Mills. 

[Smiling.] What a good description. 

White. 

I’ve put Hal in the studio at the end of the 
garden. You know a painter had the house be¬ 
fore me, and he built rather a good studio. 

Moxox. 

A bit lonely, I should say. 

Drew. 

I don’t mind that, only [smiling] it seems 
rather a sin not to be carrying on a flirtation. 
Such, an ideal spot for secret meetings. 

[Miss Mills is the only one who laughs. 
Mrs. Moxox turns from Drew with 
marked disapproval. 


22 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Mrs. Moxon. 

[To White.] How are your rose-trees doing 
this summer ? 

White. 

Pretty well. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Our John Hoppers are suffering from green¬ 
fly, but the William Allen Richardsons are 
doing well. 

Moxon. 

I’m sorry I must leave you, gentlemen, but 
I’m due at the Works. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[To Moxon.] You did not tell me you wore 
going back to the Works to-day. 

Moxon. 

Well, my dear, I suppose I don’t need to 
come and tell you every time I make a busi¬ 
ness appointment. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Of course not, dear, if you don’t wish to. 

Moxon. 

I didn’t say I didn’t wish to. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


23 


Mrs. Moxon. 

I didn’t mean anything, George — at least, to 
be strictly truthful, 1 only meant it is Saturday 
afternoon. 

Moxon. 

Yes, well, I’ve been so busy all week, I have 
to sign my letters this afternoon. [Nods to 
Win te. ] Good-day, White. 

White. 

Good-day. 

Moxon. 

Good-day, Captain Drew. 

Drew. 

Good-day, Mr. Moxon. 

Moxon. 

| Going toward the window and then stopping.} 

Oh! 

| lie returns to M rs. Moxon, bends down, 
and kisses her on the cheek. She re - 
reives the kiss passively. Moxon goes 
out. 


Drew. 

[To Miss Mills.] Is Mr. Moxpn going on 
a journey ? 


24 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Miss Mills. 

[ Wondering.] No. He’ll be home to dinner. 
[She sees Dbew’s meaning .] Oh, you mean 
because he kissed her ? 

Dbew. 

Yes. 

Miss Mills. 

He always does when he goes to the Works; 
ever since they were married. 

Dbew. 

What a charming attention ! 

Miss Mills. 

I think it is only a habit now. 

[Their attention is attracted by Mbs. 
Moxon rising abruptly and hurrying 
to the window as she takes her hand¬ 
kerchief from, her pocket. 

Dbew. 

I’m afraid Mrs. Moxon is going to be ill. 
[Mbs. Moxon waves her handkerchief from the 
window.] Oh, I thought she was going to be 
ill. 

Miss Mills. 

Oh, no ! She always waves her handkerchief 
when Mr. Moxon turns the corner. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


25 


Drew. 

Another habit ? 

Miss Mills. 

Yes. Isn’t it silly to keep it up so many 
years ? 

Drew. 

Perhaps neither of them likes to suggest 
stopping it. 

Miss Mills. 

Fd stop it with my husband soon enough. 
Of course, I haven’t one yet. [ Confidentially .] 
I’m not engaged, either. 

Drew. 

[He turns quickly to her.] Not engaged! 
You don’t say so. 

White. 

[Overhearing them.] Oh, I say ! 

[lie moves away. 

Miss Mills. 

Look at Mr. White. He’s so angry with 
jou- 

Drew. 

Why? 


26 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Miss Mills. 

[Archly.'] Why? You a sailor and ask 
that. [She rises and goes toward the table fol¬ 
lowed by Drew.] Aren’t these roses pretty ? 
I arranged them. [Touching the roses she says 
sweetly .] I whisper all my secrets to the roses. 

Drew. 

Is that why they look so red in the face ? 

[They sit by the table and converse in an 
animated fashion. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Taking a floral catalogue from a table near 
the window , approaches White.] Have you 
seen this new floral catalogue ? 

White. 

[ Who watches Dre w and Miss Mills jeal¬ 
ously all the time he is talking to Mrs. Moxon.] 
No. 

Mrs. Moxoh. 

[ Opening the catalogue and putting it into 
White’s hands.] I intend to have some of 
these Lilliums in the garden next year. They 
make such a pretty variety with the Aquilegias. 

White. 

Yes. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


27 


Mrs. Moxox. 

I must have some peonies, too. I don’t know 
whether to have Modesty or Rosea Plenissima 
Superba. 

White. 

I should have them both. 

[White clears his throat to attract 
Drew’s attention. Mrs. Moxon, 
busy with the catalogue , does not 
notice. 

Drew. 

[ Whose back is toward White, says to Miss 

Mills.] Eh ? 


Miss Mills. 

It’s only Mr. White. [.Bows and smiles 
pleasantly to White, then says to Drew.] 
I do wish I could get Martha to smarten up a 
bit. I’m always at her about her clothes. 

Drew. 

Is Martha Mrs. Moxon ? 

Miss Mills, 

\_Iaughing.'] Of course. 

Drew. 

And what are you ? 


28 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Miss Mills. 

My name is Isolda. 

Drew. 

[Pretending to be impressed .] Isolda t 

Miss Mills. 

My friends call me Izzy. 

[Drew laughs. Miss Mills laugh.% 
too. Mrs. Moxon replaces the cata¬ 
logue on the table and then sits beside 
the fireplace. At the same time White 
approaches Drew and touches him on 
the shoulder. Drew turns to him. 

White. 

[In an undertone to Drew.] This is Mrs. 
Moxon. [He indicates Mrs. Moxon with his 
head.\ Not this. [He indicates Miss Mills. 

Drew. 

I know, I know—this is Izzy. 

White. 

Oh, I say ! [He rejoins Mrs. Moxon. 

Miss Mills. 

[Delighted.'] Yon mustn’t call me Izzy. 
You’ll shock Martha. I often shock her. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


29 


Drew. 

Do you ? 

Miss Mills. 

Sometimes I put on one of Mr. Moxon’s hats 
and pretend I’m a man. 

Drew. 

How wild! 


Miss Mills. 

That’s me all over; you don’t half know me 
yet. 

[White comes down arid touches Drew 
on the shoulder as before. Drew turns 
to him. 

White. 

I thought you wanted to make an impression 
on Mrs. Moxon. 

Drew. 

\In an undertone to White.] It is always a 
good plan to begin by turning your back. 

[He turns to Miss Mills, and talks to 
her across the table. 

White. 

[ Watching them.] It’s too bad ! [He turns 
to Mrs. Moxon, and says abruptly.'] We 
must go. 


30 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Mrs. Moxon. 

[Apparently relieved by the prospect of their 
leaving .] Must you ? Good-bye. 

[She shakes hands with White. 

White. 

[Turning to Drew, he calls.'] Hal! [Drew 
and Miss Mills are conversing in undertone , 
and take no notice. He calls again.] Hal! 
Drew. 

[Turning.] Eh ? 

White. 

It’s time we went. 

[Drew remains seated. Miss Mills 
springs up. 

Miss Mills. 

Oh ! Well, I’m going to the Fishers’, so I’ll 
nralk with you. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Innocently.] You went to the Fishers’ this 
morning. 

Miss Mills. 

Yes, and left my umbrella. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Ho, dear; it’s in the hall. 

[Miss Mills signs to Mrs. Moxon to 
say no more as she flutters toioard her. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


3i 


Miss Mills. 

[Whispering to Mrs. Moxon.] I’ve made 
another conquest. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Oh, Izzy, dear! [Glancing at Drew.] I 
don’t think he is quite nice. 

[Miss Mills laughs airily as she goes 
toward the door. 

Miss Mills. 

[ With her head on one side calls sweetly .] 
Captain Drew! 

Drew. 

[ Carelessly , as he turns over a booh at the 
table.\ You two shove off. I’m going to stay 
and talk to Mrs. Moxon. 

[Mrs. Moxon glances uneasily at Drew, 
who is not looking at her , then at Miss 
Mills. 

Miss Mills. 

[Momentarily annoyed.] Oh. [She smiles 
as she goes to Mrs. Moxon and says in her ear.] 
I expect he wants to ask you all about me. 
Come along, Mr. White, I suppose I must put 
up with you. 

White. 

Oh, I say. 


32 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 


Miss Mills. 

And don’t choose a path where I am always 
having to climb stiles. 

[Miss Mills goes out followed by White. 
Mbs. Moxon sits rigidly on the round 
seat looking very uneasy. She speaks 
when Drew lays down his book and 
looks toward her . 

Mrs. Moxon. 

I don’t know that there is much to tell. Her 
mother was at school with my aunt, so that 
would make her about twenty-six. She’s a 
nice girl, or rather young woman, and not 
nearly so nonsensical as she seems. 

Drew. 

[Puzzled.] Who? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Miss Mills. 

Drew. 

Mills, Mills, Mills—oh, Izzy! 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[ Weakly.] I thought perhaps you admired 
her. 

Drew. 

[Ingratiatingly.] I prefer—married women. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


33 


Mrs. Moxox. 

[Embarrassed.'] Oh! 

Drew. 

There’s more to talk about. I mean mar¬ 
riage always improves women. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Softening.] I think perhaps you are right. 

Drew. 

It’s so unfortunate that it never improves men. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Indulgently.] It should do. 

Drew. 

Yes, it should, but it doesn’t! The men who 
marry unhappily become ill-natured, and those 
who marry happily are so insufferably self- 
satisfied. For ideal companionship give me a 
married woman and a bachelor. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Seriously.] Oh, how shocking. 

[She looks away from liim uneasily. 

Drew. 

[ Glancing at her , says to himself .] Too soon. 
[Cheerfully to Mrs. Moxox.] Now, Mrs. 
Moxon, tell me all about your little boys. 


34 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Looking pleased as she turns to him.] Are 
you fond of children ? 

Drew. 

I adore them. When Ernest White asked 
me what I’d like to do this afternoon I said, 
“ Take me to see those dear little boys.” 

Mrs. Moxox. 

Had he told you about them ? 

Drew. 

Oh, yes—all their pranks and their little mis¬ 
chievous ways. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

They are very good boys. 

Drew. 

Just what Ernest said, “ Such good boys.” 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I’m sorry they are not here. 

Drew. 

[. Alcvrmed.\ Don’t send for them. [Mrs. 
Moxox looks surprised .] I mean, why disturb 
them ? They’ll be having tea in the nursery or 
playing rounders in the garden. 



CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


35 


Mrs. Moxotn. 

Oh, no. 

Drew. 

Well, anyway, it’s always a pity to bring 
children into the drawing-room. . It makes them 
so self-conscious, don’t you think ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

They are away at school. 

Drew. 

[Feigning disappointment .] Shan’t I see 
them ? Oh, that is too bad ! [ Confidentially .] 

And how are they getting on at school ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Sydney is top of his class in geography, and 
we hope Eonald will take the prize for good 
conduct. 

Drew. 

Oh, what wonderful boys! And which is 
the most like you ? Sydney or Ronald ? 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I’ll show you their portraits, then you can 
judge for yourself. 

[She rises and goes to the table for the 
photograph album. 


36 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Drew. 

[Speaking as she goes.] Oh, yes. Do let me 
see their pictures. [As she places the album on 
the table.] What a nice fat album. 


Mrs. Moxon. 

[Standing beside him and showing him the 
photographs i/n the album.] These were taken 
last term. This is Sydney. 

Drew. 

[Pointing to another photograph^] And here’s 
Donald. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Correcting him.] Donald. 


Drew. 

Donald, to be sure. What very fine boys for 
their ages. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

We consider them small for eight and ten. 


Drew. 

Eight and ten! But you haven’t been mar¬ 
ried ten years! I mean—you must have been 
married very young. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Simply.] I was twenty-five. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


37 


Drew. 

Now I do like to hear you so frank about 
your age. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

It’s nothing to be ashamed of. 

Drew. 

No, but so many women were married at six¬ 
teen. [She points to another photography 
There’s Graham on your lap. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

No, that’s Sydney with the nurse. 

Drew. 

[Expressing surprise and looking very closely 
at the photography The nurse ? What a very 
pretty girl. Such a refined looking young 
woman. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Yes, Eliza was a superior girl. We were 
sorry to part with her. 

Drew. 

So should I have been. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

But her mother died of—pleurisy, I think it 
was- 


38 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 
Drew. 

Yes, very nice. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

And so she had to go and keep house for her 
father—so- 

Drew. 

[Closing the album and returning it to Mrs. 
Moxox to stop her telling him any more about 
Eliza.] Thank you. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

You have not said which of the boys you con¬ 
sider most like me. 


Drew. 

[Standing opposite to her and opening the al¬ 
bum again.] Oh, no, let me see. [ Looking at 
her critically .] I should say Sydney is most 
like you about the eyes, but Tommy’s got your 
nose. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Taking the album , she says quietly.] Their 
names are Sydney and Ronald. 

Drew. 

[ Sentimentally , while they both hold the album .] 
You must feel lonely without them ? 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


39 


Mrs. Moxox. 

[ Wistfully.'] A little. 

Drew. 

You need a companion. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I should dearly like to have one. [He leans 
a little toward her• she looks at him. ] But 
Mr. Moxon says he can’t afford her salary. [She 
replaces the album under the table. Drew 
laughs and turns it into a cough. Mrs. Moxox 
looks at him innocently and kindly .] You have 
a cough ? 

Drew. 

[Coughing and hitting his chest .] It’s one of 
those dreadful hyena coughs—sounds like laugh¬ 
ing. I often have it. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

You must take care of yourself. 

Drew. 

[Sentimentally. ] I need some one to take 
care of me. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[In a matter-of-fact manner.] We have a 
very good practitioner in the village—Mr. Bush, 
1 Victoria Polygon. 

[She moves away from him. 


40 


CAPTA/JV DREW ON LEAVE 


Drew. 

[Cheerfully.'] Now, Mrs. Moxon, I want you 
to make yourself quite at home. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[In mild surprise.] I am at home. 

Drew. 

Of course. I mean just go on as if I wasn’t 
here. Where’s your work-basket ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[ Unconsciously pleased to be ordered about.] 
Must I get it ? 

Drew. 

Yes, do. [Seeing her work-basket on a table 
near the window.] Ah, there it is! [He goes 
and gets it as Mrs. Moxon drags a chair 
beside the round seat.] Woolwork, of course; 
I knew you’d do woolwork. [Seeing Mrs. 
Moxon with the chair he goes to her assistance.] 
Oh, is this for me ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Placing the chair near the round seat.] No. 
I was going to place my skein over the back of 
it. [Taking a skein of red wool from the basket 
and preparing to place it over the back of the 
ohair.] So. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


41 


Drew. 

[Taking the skein from her.\ No, no. I’ll 
hold; you—you wind. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Hesitating.\ Oh, but- 

Drew. 

[Pointing to the round seat.'] You sit—there 
—in the bows—I’ll take the stern. 

[He sits on the chair opposite to her. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Reluctantly sitting opposite him.] Oh, very 
well. 


Drew. 

[< Cheerfully .] Not at all. Very kind of you 
to ask me to help you. 

[He places the skein over his hands and 
holds them toward her. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

But I—thank you. [She undoes the end of 
the skein and begins to wind.] Do you mind 
not holding your hands quite so stiff, please ? 

Drew. 

Will you arrange them the way you’d like 
them ? 



42 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Mrs. Moxon. 

More so. 

[She poises her hands in the position she 
wants his. 

Drew. 

Oh, yes. I remember. It’s all coming back 
to me now. More of a roll. 

[He swings his hands up a/nd down as 
one does in winding wool , but exagger¬ 
ating the action. Mrs. Moxon laughs 
and slaps his hand. She is immediately 
overcome with confusion. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

Oh, I beg yonr pardon. I didn’t mean to 
take such a liberty. I am ashamed. 

Drew. 

[i Confidentially .] Never mind. I won’t tell. 
[Mrs. Moxox glances shyly at him and begins 
to wind. After a moment's pause while they 
wind he says.\ Any one would take us for two 
old friends. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Stopping winding and saying anxiously .] 
Perhaps we oughtn’t to. 

Drew. 

It’s too late to stop now. We’re both so 
. tangled up in this wool. 



CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


43 


Mrs. Moxon. 

Yes. [ After a moment's reflection she says 
innocently .] And the others are out. 

[She continues winding the wool guite 
satisfied. He smiles and watches her 
before he speaks. 

Drew. 

You know, Mrs. Moxon, I don’t think you 
are half appreciated here. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Pleasantly. ] How so? 

Drew. 

You ought to be bounding along on the ocean 
instead of lying up in dry dock. 

Mrs. Moxon.. 

[ Puzzled. ] What ? 

Drew. 

How shall I put it? You could easily out¬ 
shine Miss Mills. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Faintly, smiling .] Poor Izzy! She wouldn’t 
like that. [Gravely.] I think a woman should 
be content with her home.. 

[She winds the wool rigidly. 


44 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Drew. 

Home thinks more of us if we shine outside. 
Mrs. Moxox. 

[Stopping the winding and saying pensively .] 

I wonder. 

Drew. 

Make sure. [ She looks askance at himl\ Try 
it. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

How ? 


Drew. 

Let some one—me, for instance—pretend, 
only pretend, a great admiration for you. 

* Mrs. Moxon. 

[ Assenting. Yes. 

[He moves a little nearer to her . 

Drew. 

And you must pretend—only pretend—an 
extraordinary interest in me. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Oh, no. I’m sure I could never carry it off, 
besides it would be very wrong. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


45 


Drew. 

[Meaningly.] Then don’t let ns pretend. 
[She looks askance at him.'] My admiration 
shall be real. 


Mrs. Moxon. 

I* little distressed , interrupting him.] I 
can’t help feeling that this is all very worldly 
and frivolous talk. It rather frightens me. 

Drew. 

[Kindly.] Then let us go on winding wool. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Hesitating a moment , then smiling gratefully 
at him.] Thank you. [She continues winding.] 
I hope you won’t think me foolish. 

Drew. 

[ReassuringlyI] No, dear lady. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

It is only that what you were saying in fun 
reminds me of an incident I have been trying 
for years to forget. 

Drew. 

I suppose we all have some past incidents we 
should like to forget. 


46 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 


Mbs. Moxon. 

[Stopping winding and saying quickly.'] 
I was not to blame. 

Drew. 

It was his fault. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Entirely. I had no idea he meant anything, 

until he—he began to- 

[She smiles in an embarrassed manner . 

Drew. 

Did he really ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

I had to beg him to desist. Oh, I was very 
much put out. Of course, it happened years 
ago, but whenever I see him I can’t help feel¬ 
ing that he still bears me ill-will. [She meets 
Drew’s eyes , and becomes disconcerted.] But 
I’ve no business to be telling you all this. 

Drew. 

Have you ever told any one before ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Never. You see, I couldn’t tell my husband. 
He would think it was my fault. I can’t think 
how I came to tell you. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


4 7 


Drew. 

I think it was very friendly of you to tell 
me one of your secrets. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[ Embarrassed .] I—I think we’ve wound 
enough wool for to-day. 

Drew. 

So do I. Let’s get rid of this gear and have 
a nice talk. 

[He takes the ball of wool from her , rolls 
it up with the skein , and throws it all 
down in a heap. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Forgetting everything but the fate of her 
wool , she springs up.} Oh, my wool! My 
wool! [She hastens to pick it up. 

Drew. 

[Rising to her assistance.} I’m awfully sorry 
—really—do let me help you. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[As she eludes him and goes to the table with 
the tangled skein in her hands.} You’ll only 
make it worse. [She spreads the skein on the 
table and says reproachfully.} You have made 
a mess of it. 

[She undoes the tangle during the follow¬ 
ing dialogue. 


48 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 


Drew. 

[ Standing , watching her.] I can see I shall 
need a lot more lessons in wool-winding. 
When may I come and have the next ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

I’m afraid I haven’t often any time to waste 
like this. 


Drew. 

What else is there to do in the country ? 

Mrs. Moxox. 

Oh, a great deal. I have my housekeeping 
and my rose-garden, and the hens. 

Drew. 

I’m awfully keen on all kinds of garden pro¬ 
duce. We might potter round together. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

But generally I have calls to pay, and every 
Monday afternoon there is the Dorcas Meeting, 
and once a fortnight we have our literary 
society. Several of us ladies meet at each 
other’s houses and read a play by Shakespeare. 
We took “King Lear” last time. {Looks up 
at him.] So you see my time is very fully 
occupied. 



CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


49 


Drew. 

That is the tragedy of the naval officer. 
Everybody’s life is full when he conies home. 
I hoped you would let me come and talk to 
you sometimes. It would do me so much good. 
But, of course, if you are too busy with Dorcas 

and “ King Lear ”- 

[Mrs. Moxon looks sympathetically at 
him during this speech. When he has 
finished speaking she approaches him 
slowly and rather timidly. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

I’m not busy quite all the time. 

[Enter Moxon. 

Moxon. 

I whistled. 


Mrs. Moxon. 

[Going toward Moxon, and appearing deeply 
concerned.'] Oh, George, I am sorry. 

Drew. 

[Puzzled.] Whistled ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[To Drew.] He always whistles when he 
comes from the Works, ever since we were 
married, and this is the first time I have not 
heard him. 



50 


CAPTA/JV DREW ON LEAVE 


Moxox. 

I’ve just seen Hassell. He’s coming here 
directly. 

Mbs. Moxox. 

[Turns quickly to her husband, expressing 
surprise and disapproval as she says.] Oh! 

Moxox. 

He asked if Miss Mills would be at home. 
Of course, I don’t know—he didn’t tell me— 
but I’d make a bet that he wants to propose to 
her. 


Mrs. Moxox. 

[ With emphasis and showing great concern.] 
Chester Hassell wants to propose to Izzy! 

Drew. 

[Turns to Mr. and Mrs. Moxon.] Did you 
say Chester Hassell ? 

Moxox. 

Yes—do you know him ? 

Drew. 

[Evasively.] I did know him. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[ Watching Drew.] I don’t like him either. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


51 


Moxox. 

Well, my dear, he’s coming to propose to 
Miss Mills—not you. [ Looking off from the 
window .] Oh, there she is, coming across the 
lawn with Ernest White. I’d better warn her. 

[He goes to the window and beckons . 

Mbs. Moxox. 

[Glancing at Moxox’s back before she ap¬ 
proaches Drew and saying to him , anxiously ,] 
It must not be allowed. He’s a dreadful man. 
[Dropping her voice.] He is that man I was 
telling you about. 

Drew. 

[Gravely.] By Jove! Was that Hassell? 
Does Miss Mills care for him ? 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I don’t know. 

Drew. 

Has she encouraged him ? 

Mrs. Moxox. 

Izzy encourages everybody.' 

Drew. 

[To himself Poor old Ernest! [To Mrs* 
Moxox.] Anyhow, we must stop her marry¬ 
ing Hassell. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


S* 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Indeed, yes. Do help me. 

[Mrs. Moxon moves away from Drew 
as Miss Mills enters by the window. 

Miss Mills. 

Do you want me ? 

Moxon. 

[ Winking at the others .] Watch her blush. 
[To Miss Mills.] I’ve got a piece of news 
for you, young lady. Chester Hassell is com¬ 
ing here this afternoon—to see you. 

Miss Mills. 

[Smiling complacently .] I know what for. 
Whenever I go to the Fishers’ he always turns 
up. It’s quite a joke between Lucy Fisher and 
me. 

Drew. 

[To Moxon.] Do you know this man—Has¬ 
sell—very well ? 

Moxon. 

I can’t say we are intimate, but we are neigh¬ 
bourly. He’s quite a nice fellow. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

I don’t agree with you. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


53 


Moxox. 

[ Impatiently .] You are so hard to please. 
Drew. 

Has Hassell lived here long ? 


Moxox. 

Oh, yes, he was here before we came. His 
mother had a little house on the other side of 
the village. He lived there with her till she 
died. 

Miss Mills. 

He went into lodgings after the sale. 

Drew. 

What does he do ? 

Moxox. 

Lives on what his mother left him. I don’t 
suppose it was much. He is the treasurer of 
our little club here. 

Drew. 

Oh, yes. And don’t you find that your little 
club is generally in debt ? 

Moxon. 

{Innocently .] Do you know—that’s a strange 
thing. We are always in debt. 


54 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Miss Mills. 

Mr. Moxon doesn’t know Avhat you mean, but 
/ do. 

Moxon. 

I know nothing against Hassell, and I prefer 
to take a charitable view of people. 

Miss Mills. 

[ Thoughtfully ?\ He’s rather handsome. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Going toww'd Miss Mills, she says ear¬ 
nestly. ] Oh. He’s not a nice man. 

Moxon. 

[Turning impatiently to her.~\ What do you 
know against him ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Solemnly. ] He drinks. 

Moxon. 

How do you know ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

The Fishers’ cook told our cook. 

Moxon. 

I’m surprised you gossip with the cook. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


55 


Miss Mills. 

One must treat the servants as equals nowa¬ 
days—to keep them in their places. 

Drew. 

I know Hassell used to be foxed a good deal 
of the time when he was in the service. 

Miss Mills. 

Oh, yes—I remember now. We heard he 
was in the Navy. 

Drew. 

[ Deliberately .] He was. 

Moxon. 

Perhaps you know more about him than 
we do ? 

Drew. 

Possibly. 

Miss Mills. 

I can see he did something. Do tell us what 
it was. 

Drew. 

I’d rather not. [Hesitating before he adds.'] 
Unless you seriously think of- 

Miss Mills. 

[Airily.] Oh, you needn’t be afraid that I 
shall marry the creature. 



56 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 

Drew. 

Then there’s no need for me to tell you any¬ 
thing. I only thought—if you cared for him 
—it might be my duty to warn you, especially 
as Ernest told me you are an heiress. 

Miss Mills. 

[Smiling.'] Yes. 

Moxox. 

She’s only got six thousand pounds. 

Miss Mills. 

[Annoyed.] That’s an heiress. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I don’t think I should call that an heiress, 
dear; I shouldn’t call anything less than ten 
thousand pounds an heiress. 

Drew. 

Anyway, Miss Mills says she is not going to 
accept him—so that settles it. We needn’t dis¬ 
cuss him. I’m sure I don’t want to do him any 
harm, and I certainly don’t want to meet him— 
so I’ll go and find Ernest in the garden. [He 
goes to the window , calling .] Ernest! Ernest! 

[Exit Drew. 

Miss Mills. 

[Smiling.] It is quite evident that Captain 
Drew doesn’t wish me to niarry Mr. Hassell. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


57 


Moxox. 

That’s probably at the bottom of it all. Some 
old rivalry, no doubt. And if White told him 
you are an heiress! Who knows ? He may 
have designs on you himself. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

I don’t think that is charitable. 

Miss Mills. 

It’s possible. 

Moxox. 

[To Miss Mills.] Certainly it is. [To 
Mrs. Moxon.] It is you who are not chari¬ 
table. I don’t like the way you attack Hassell, 
for no reason at all. It is likely to do him an 
injury, and if it was traced back it might be 
very uncomfortable for us. I shall certainly go 
out of my way to be agreeable to Hassell the 
next time I meet him. I shall make a point of 
showing him that 7, the head of the house, am 
quite willing to be friendly. Yes, I shall. 

[Exit Moxon. 

Miss Mills. 

He oan be exasperating. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Irritated.'] Oh, yes. He is- [Pauses 

and then says quietly .] He is my husband. 


58 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Miss Mills. 

I should like to know what Mr. Hassell did, 
shouldn’t you, Martha ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Ho, dear, I think Captain Drew is right. 

Miss Mills. 

[A little surprised.] You said he wasn’t 
quite nice just now. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I find I misjudged him. Whatever this 
scandal is, it does not affect us. You need not 
even see Mr. Hassell when he calls. 

Miss Mills. 

I think I’d better see him. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

It is not necessary, and it would only em¬ 
barrass you both. 

Miss Mills. 

I think I’d better see him. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

Bat you don’t intend to accept him ? 

Miss Mills. 

Ho. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


59 


Mrs. Moxon. 

Then why see him ? [Miss Mills does not 
reply . Mrs. Moxon goes toward her before she 
says half incredulouslyf\ It can’t be that you 
wish him to propose in order that you may 
refuse him! 

Miss Mills. 

[Looks extremely disconcerted , then says in¬ 
dignantly .] Ho, I don’t know how you can 
suggest such a thing, Martha. 

[Enter the Maidservant. 

Maid. 

Mr. Chester Hassell to see Miss Mills. 

Miss Mills. 

I will see Mr. Hassell. [The Maid goes out. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Reproachfully .] Izzy! 

Miss Mills. 

You are not going to stay in the room, are 
you? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

You must do as you wish. 

[Mrs. Moxon goes out into the garden. 
Miss Mills rises and goes to. the look¬ 
ing-glass , prinks herself a little , then 


60 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 

comes to the table , takes a rose with a 
long stem from vase and sits arrang¬ 
ing her dress effectively , and toying 
with the rose. Enter the Maid. 

Maid. 

Mr. Chester Hassell. 

[Enter Chester Hassell. lie is a dis¬ 
sipated , but fine-looking, well dressed 
man about thirty-five. The Maid goes 
out. 


Hassell. 

[ Going to shake hands with Miss Mills.] 
This is fortunate—to find you alone. 


Miss Mills. 

[,Smiling and shaking hands Oh, thank 
you. 

Hassell. 

[Moving to a chair near her.~\ May I sit 
here? 

Miss Mills. 

Do. 


Hassell. 

{Impressively .] I dare say you can guess 
what I have come to ask you. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 61 
Miss Mills. 

No. [She smells her rose. 

Hassell. 

I am going abroad. 

Miss Mills. 

[Disappointed .] Oh! have you only come 
to say good-bye ? 

Hassell. 

I hope not. [Miss Mills drops her eyes.] 
I find it necessary to go abroad. 

Miss Mills. 

[Glancing up suspiciously.] Necessary ? 

Hassell. 

[Quickly.] For my health. 

Miss Mills. 

I see. 

' Hassell. 

We have met fairly often lately. 

Miss Mills. 

[>Sentimentally .] Y es. 

Hassell. 

On the several occasions that I have met you 
at Mrs. Fisher’s you have been more than kind. 
I have been led to hope-- 


62 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 

Miss Mills. 

{Rises, affecting maidenly conf usion .] Oh, 

Mr. Hassell! 

Hassell. 

[Rising.] I should have spoken sooner, but 
for one thing. I heard you were rich. I do 
not know whether you have the control of your 
fortune or not. [He pauses a moment for her 
to reply. Miss Mills tears the petals from her 
rose and scatters them on the ffoor so he repeats.] 
I say I do not know. 

Miss Mills. 

Pa left it to me to do as I liked with. [Sus¬ 
piciously.] But why? Would it have made 
any difference ? 

Hassell. 

Not the least. Rich or poor, I love you 
madly. 

[He comes toward her. She puts out her 
hand to restrain him. 

Miss Mills. 

[Sentimentcdly.] I cannot love you. 

Hassell. 

[Disconcerted.] What! But you were so 
encouraging. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 63 


Miss Mills. 

I didn’t wish to seem unkind. 

[She moms away from him. 

Hassell. 

[Sneering as he follows her.'] That was very 
considerate of you, but the alternative was not 
to flirt as outrageously as you have done. 

Miss Mills. 

[Dropping the sentimental pose and becoming 
indignant .] Oh ! That’s very rude! 

Hassell. 

You know you can’t lead a man on till he 
makes an ass of himself, and then walk away, 
saying you don’t love him, without giving a 
reason. 

Miss Mills. 

Yes, I can if I want to. 

Hassell. 

You have often gone out of your way to 
meet me. 

Miss Mills. 

[Indignantly .] Oh! 

Hassell. 

The first time I met you at the Fishers’ you 
hung about till every one had gone, and asked 


64 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 

me to see you home. And as you left me at 
the gate you told me when you’d be at the Fish¬ 
ers’ again. 

Miss Mills. 

[.Pointing to the door.] Leave the room ! 
Hassell. 

It’s not losing you I mind so much. It’s the 
waste of time. 


Miss Mills. 

[.Bursting with indignation .] Oh! I be¬ 
lieve all the things I’ve heard about you now. 

Hassell. 

What things ? 

Miss Mills. 

Hever mind. 

Hassell. 

[Going toward her.] Who has told you any¬ 
thing against me ? 

Miss Mills. 


People. 

Hassell. 

[Seizing her wrist.] What people ? 


Miss Mills. 
Take your hand away. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 65 


Hassell. 

Hot until you tell me what people. 

Miss Mills. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Hassell. 

[.Releasing her , and saying scornfully .] That 
saint! 


Miss Mills. 

It’s very ill-bred of you to call her names 
while you are in her drawing-room. [As Has¬ 
sell goes toward the door.] She is not the only 
one either. 


Hassell. 

[Turning guickly to her at the door.] Who 
else ? 

Miss Mills. 

Captain Drew. 

' Hassell. 

[Alarmed.] Drew ? 

Miss Mills. 

Of the Koval Havy. 

Hassell. 

[Recovering his self-control.] All right. Let 
me ever catch Captain Drew in a peccadillo, or 


66 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Mrs. Moxon either. It will be the worse for 
them. {Exit Hassell. 

Miss Mills. 

{Nearly crying.] He’s no gentleman. 

{Enter Mrs. Moxon from the garden. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

How loudly you were talking. 

Miss Mills. 

He’s been so rude. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

What did he say ? 

Miss Mills. 

Don’t ask me. I’m throbbing all over. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

{Pointing to the plucked rose stem which Miss 
Mills still holds.] What are you doing with 
that rose stalk ? 

Miss Mills. 

{Angrily.] Nothing. {She throws the rose 
stem on the floor and stamps on it , then crosses 
to the door as she says.] I’m going up-stairs to 
have a good cry. {She turns to Mrs. Moxon 
when she reaches the door.] Martha—he did 
propose. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 67 


[Exit Miss Mills. Mrs. Moxon picks 
up the rose stem , then turns and sees 
the rose petals Miss Mills has dropped. 
She stoops down and gathers them up. 
Enter Drew from the garden. 

Drew. 

Housekeeping ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Serious and worried .] Yes. I do so dislike 
messes. 

[She throws the rose leaves in the waste- 
paper basket. 

Drew. 

I must go now. [Holding out his hand he 
says tenderly .] Good-bye. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Good-bye. [She allows him to retain her hand 
as she says.] If it really does you any good to 
talk to me, do come again. 

Drew. 

Thanks, dear lady, I will. 

[Enter White from the garden. Drew’s 
back is toward the window , so he does 
not see him. Mrs. Moxox sees him , 
and withdraws her hand. 


68 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Mrs. Moxon. 

I will tell my husband you are leaving. . 

1 [She goes out quickly. 


White. 

[Going toward Drew.] I say, she’s not 
going to let you make love to her, is she ? 

Drew. 

You never know ; but one thing is certain. 


What? 


White. 

Drew. 


I’m falling in love with her. 


White. 


What! 

Drew. 

She’s so quaint and funny and touching, 
she’s charming! 


White. 

But what will be the end of it ? 


Oh, 


Drew. 

Never mind the end. This is only the begin¬ 
ning. Never look ahead, man—never look 
ahead. [They go out. 


THE CURTAIN FALLS 


THE SECOND ACT 

SCENE. —The same as the first act. It is a sum¬ 
mer evening after dinner a month later and 
the lamps are lighted. 

As the curtain rises , Mrs. Moxon comes in fol¬ 
lowed by Miss Mills. They both wear 
dinner dress. There is a great change in 
Mrs. Moxon 7 S appearance. She is charm¬ 
ingly dressed ) and wears her hair becomingly. 
There are some red roses in her dress. 

Miss Mills. 

I’m so glad to see you have taken my advice 
about dressing better. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[A little anxiously .] I hope you don’t think 
I am trying to look too young. 

Miss Mills. 

Oh, no ! Married women dress just like girls 
now. I can’t think why, because we, of course, 
dress to please everybody, while you, I suppose, 
dress only to please your husband. 

[Mrs. Moxon smells the flowers in vase. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

What a delicious perfume these flowers have 1 
69 


7 o 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Miss Mills. 

How amusing Captain Drew was at dinner! 

Mrs. Moxon. 

He is always so merry. 

Miss Mills. 

I’m surprised he gets on so slowly with 
women. [Unconsciously , Mrs. Moxon looks a 
little amazed .] He has been coming to the 
house nearly every day for a month, and I 
don’t feel as if I know him any better than 
I did at first. He is always so respectful. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

We should not care to be so friendly with 
him if he were not. 

Miss Mills. 

It amuses me so the way he always pretends 
that he comes to see you. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

It is quite appropriate that he should ask for 
me when he calls. 

Miss Mills. 

Oh, quite, and I think he likes you; but we 
all know why he comes so often—don’t we, 
dear ? 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE ?l 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[A little anxiously .] Did he ever tell you he 
comes to see you ? 

Miss Mills. 

Oh, no, he never told me, but a woman 
always knows. [Men’s voices heard outside .] 
Here they are. 

[Enter Drew, White and Moxon. 
They all wear dinner clothes . Drew 
at once makes for Mrs. Moxon. 
White joins Miss Mills. 

Drew. 

[Whispering to Mrs. Moxon.] How well 
that gown becomes you. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Pleased and nervousi] I’m so glad you like 
it. [Passing him and going to Moxon, at the 
same time drawing a letter from her pocketh\ I 
had a letter from Ronald before dinner. 

Moxon. 

Oh, well, I suppose there’s no need to read it 
just now. I’m going outside to smoke. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Shall I come out and read it to you ? 

Moxon. 

Give a fellow time to digest his dinner. 


72 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Mrs. Moxon. 

Yes, George, there’s no hurry. I only 
thought you might like news of the boys. 

Moxox. 

By and by. I suppose they are all right ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Oh, yes, they are quite well. 

\She reads the letter to herself , smiling 
affectionately. 

Moxon. 

[Addressing Drew and White.] What do 
you say to a smoke on the terrace ? 

White. 

Thank you. A cigarette in the moonlight. 
Miss Mills_ [He goes out with Moxox. 

Miss Mills. 

Yes, I’ll come, too. Captain Drew, we are 
all going out to smoke. 

Drew. 

Are we ? [Miss Mills goes out into the 
garden. Watching Mrs. Moxon as she reads 
her letter .] And what has Konald got to say ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Would you like to read it ? 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


73 


Drew. 

[Smiling kindly .] No, I should like to hear 
yqu read it. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Heading.'] “My dear Mamma,—I hope you 
are quite well. I am quite well. Sydney is 
quite well. We played cricket yesterday. I 
made two runs and Sydney made six runs. 
Palmer made duck. I was very glad, ’cos he 
hit me one day once, but I did not cry. Love 
to papa. Your loving little son, Donald.” 

Drew. 

Funny little chap! 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Showing the letter to Drew.] Doesn’t he 
write well for eight ? 

Drew. 

[Now sitting beside her.~\ Splendid ! 

Mrs. Moxox. 

It’s too bad of me to make you listen to the 
boy’s letters. 

Drew. 

[Cheerfully and kindly .] I always want to 
hear how Sydney and Donald are getting on. 


74 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Mrs. Moxox. 

[Gratefully .] That is so kind of you. 

Drew. 

Lucky little lads to have such a mother. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

They will soon be able to do without me. 
The first break comes when they go to school. 
Before that I used to do everything for them. 
Tuck them up in bed, make them get up in the 
morning, teach them their letters, and play 
“I spy” in the garden. [Sighing.'] But al¬ 
ready they can do so many things without me. 

Drew. 

They soon learn to fly by themselves, don’t 
they ? 

Mrs. Moxox. 

Boys do. One keeps girls longer. 

Drew. 

You’d have liked a little girl ? . 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Sadly.] I had a little girl—once. She died. 
[Through her tears.] There—there. We must 
make up our minds to bear the things we can’t 
help, and the boys will soon be home for their 
midsummer holidays. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


75 


Drew. 

[ With a touch of regret .] When the boys 
come home I expect you won’t have much time 
for me. 


Mrs. Moxon. 

I think I shall still be able to squeeze out a 
little time for you. 

Drew. 

You won’t quite forget me when I go back 
to sea ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

D Simply .]. I shall never forget you [ With 
a little anxiety .] But you are not going away 
yet? 

Drew. 

I’ve had no orders. Don’t let us think about 
that. I’m so happy here, I want to forget I 
ever have to go away. What shall we do to¬ 
morrow ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

In the morning we must stake up the lilies 
and take cuttings from the picotees—that is, if 
you can spare the time. 

Drew. 

I wish that I had something really important 
to do to-morrow morning. 


j6 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 
Mrs. Moxon. 

So that you would have an excuse ? 

Drew. 

No, so that I could give it up to come and 
garden with you. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Smiling.\ Oh! 

Drew. 

What shall we do in the afternoon? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

To-morrow is my day at home. 

Drew. 

[. Disappointed .] Oh ! 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Perhaps no one will come. 

Drew. 

I don’t suppose any one will. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Sometimes I have as many as six ladies in 
my drawing-room at one time. 

Drew. 

Let them amuse each other, and come for a 
walk in the woods with me. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


77 


Mbs. Moxon. 

[_Doubtfully .] Oh, I don’t know. 

Dbew. 

You will ? 

Mbs. Moxon. 

[Gravely.'] Unless my husband requires me. 

Dbew. 

Yes, of course. [He pauses a moment before 
he adds.] In that case we must go the next 
day. 

Mbs. Moxon. 

[<Cheerfully .] Very well. [She sees he is 
smiling.] Why do you smile ? 

Dbew. 

I don’t know. I was thinking—how wrong 
our first impressions often are. 

Mbs. Moxox. 

Yes. Do you know, I didn’t approve of you 
at first. 

Dbew. 

You mean you do now ? 

Mbs. Moxon. 

[Simply.] I think you know whether I do 
or not. 


yS CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Drew. 

That first day! 

Mrs. Moxon. 

That day we wound the wool. 

Drew. 

And you said I might come and see you 
sometimes, if it w r ould do me any good. I 
can’t tell you what good it has done me to 
know you. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[In a quiet ecstasy .] I’m so glad, for you 
have done so much for me. You’ll never know 
how much. 

Drew. 

[.Leaning toward her and taking her handl\ 
There is nothing I would not do for you. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Looking gratefully at him then becoming 
timid , and withdrawing her hand .] You had 
better join the others now. 

[She mores away from him . 

Drew. 

Are you coming ? 

Mrs. Moxox. 

Presently. I am going up-stairs for my 
cloud. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


79 


Drew. 

Don’t leave me yet. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[She turns and asks innocently .] Why ? 

Drew. 

I mean—please give me a rose. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Smiling.\ Willingly. 

[She takes a rose from her dress and 
gives it to him. He encloses her hand 
and the rose in both his hands and 
looks at her intentVy. She looks at 
him , first wondering , then timidly. 
Then she withdraws her hand , leaving 
the rose in his and goes toward the 
door. 

Drew. 

I’ll wait for you here. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Nervously h\ No, don’t wait for me. 

[Exit Mrs. Moxox. Drew smiles as 
he puts the rose in his coat. Miss 
Mills enters from the garden. She 
appears irresolute. 

Miss Mills. 

It’s a little chilly out-of-doors. 


So 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Dee w. 

Have you come in. to get a wrap ? 

Miss Mills. 

I’m not sure. Do you ever suffer from mel¬ 
ancholia ? 

Dbew. 

Sometimes. 

Miss Mills. 

[< Sighing .] So do I. [She sits down for¬ 
lornly .] I have it now. 

• Drew. 

[Cheerfully .] You ought not to know any¬ 
thing of melancholia yet. 

Miss Mills. 

I know the world thinks I am blithe as a 
bird—singing from morn till eve—but if they 
only knew ! I am often very, very unhappy. 

Drew. 

What do you ever want that you don’t have ? 

Miss Mills. 

The trouble is so often, I don’t know what I 
want. 


Drew. 

Then, depend upon it, you want loving. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


8i 


Miss Mills. 

I dare say that’s it. 

Drew. 

He’ll come along some day. 

Miss Mills. 

{A little piqued .] It’s not for want of 
chances that I’m not engaged. 

Drew. 

Never been in love ? 

Miss Mills. 

{Thoughtfully .] I can’t be sure how much 
one ought to be in love—to be in love. 

Drew. 

Then you never have. 

Miss Mills. 

Not properly. And yet I feel if some strong 
man strode up and said “ You shall! ” I might. 

Drew. 

He’s too timid. Never tells you straight 
what he means—isn’t that it ? 

Miss Mills. 

{In a panie.\ Oh, I don’t know. Don’t ask 
me. One has to be so careful not to let one’s 
feelings run away with one if one has money. 


82 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Drew. 

Oh, the six thousand pounds. 

Miss Mills. 

[ Haughtily .] Six thousand pounds is not a 
pittance. 

Drew. 

But he wouldn’t want to marry you for that 
Miss Mills. 

You don’t seem to recognize the difficulty of 
my position. If a girl is pretty and penniless 
she knows she is being wooed for herself, and 
if she is rich and plain she knows it must be for 
her money—but with me—it might so well be 
either. 

Drew. 

But what’s-his-name is very 
Miss Mills. 

Oh, is he ? I didn’t know that. 
Drew. 

And a good fellow from stem to stern. 

Miss Mills. 

Nothing like having a good opinion of your¬ 
self. 


[ Laughing.] 
well off. 

[Interested.'] 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 83 

Drew. 

lie didn’t say it, I say it. And I’ll say 

more, I’ll say - [White enters .] Oh, now, 

speak of the devil- 

[Drew laughs and goes out abruptly. 

Miss Mills turns and sees White. 

Miss Mills. 

Is there madness in your family ? 

White. 

My dear Miss Mills ! 

Miss Mills. 

Your cousin has just been behaving so 
strangely. 

White. 

[Coming quickly to her.] Has he been mak¬ 
ing love to you ? 

Miss Mills. 

Anything but. 

White. 

Of course I’m very fond of Hal, but I don’t 
think the Navy is good to marry into. 

Miss Mills. 

I don’t think it’s quite safe, but it must be 
very nice to have a husband who keeps going 
away on voyages and coming home for honey¬ 
moons. 




84 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


White. 

[,Sitting beside her. ] But how much nicer a 
perpetual honeymoon in a snug little cottage— 
like mine. 

Miss Mills. 

[Ignoring this.\ Officers’ wives can get to 
very good parties. 

White. 

No better than I can. 

Miss Mills. 

I do so like those buttons they wear. 

White. 

{Annoyed.'] It’s no use hankering after Hal’s 
buttons. He’s a hopeless case at present. 

Miss Mills. 

{Dismayed.] Has he got a wife ? 

White. 

No, no, but—it’s a very delicate matter to 
speak of. {He first looks off from the window 
to make sure he is not overheard .] I suppose 
you can see why he comes to this house so 
often ? 

Miss Mills. 

{Coyly.] I suppose I can. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 85 


White. 

[ Exasperated. J Oh. you are off on a wrong 
scent altogether. lie doesn’t come to see you. 

Miss Mills. 

[.Dismayed .] Eh? [Recovering herself ^ I 
never supposed he did. I don’t see why you 
think you need tell me that. As if I ever sug¬ 
gested he comes to see me. 

White. 

[Glancing toward the window before he lowers 
his voice .] He comes to see Mrs. Moxon. 

Miss Mills. 

[After a moment's panic. ] Of course, I saw 
that. 


White. 

I’m not saying a word against Mrs. Moxon. 
I am sure she is all she should be, and even 
more. 

Miss Mills. 

Oh, those quiet women ! 

White. 

It puts me in such a position. I introduced 
him. 

Miss Mills. 

I wonder if her husband knows ? 


86 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


White. 

[Irritated.'] He’d be the last to see, the 
great dull thing! 

Miss Mills. 

I wonder if she knows herself ? 

White. 

Of course she does. Haven’t you noticed 
the change ? The last month has transformed 
her. 

Miss Mills. 

Oh ! I begin to see it all. Those new clothes. 
And I thought she was taking my advice. 

White. 

The first day he came—before ever he saw 
her—he said he was going to make love to her 
—just to see if he could. I said he couldn’t. 
That set his back up. And this is the result. 

Miss Mills. 

I wonder if he means it now ? 

White. 

I’m hanged if I know. If he doesn’t, we 
must stop it. And if he does—we must stop it. 

Miss Mills. 

[. Thoughtfully .] For the present, we must 
just watch and listem In a case of this sort, I 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 87 


should even consider it right to intercept letters 
and listen at keyholes. 

White. 

Oh, I say! 

[Enter Mrs. Moxon. She wears a scarf 
over her shoulders. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

I thought you were all outside. 

White. 

Mr. Moxon is there. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Oh! [She moves toward the window. 

Miss Mills. 

And Captain Drew. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Stopping.] Oh! 

[Miss Mills and White exchange mean¬ 
ing glances. Moxon comes in. 

Moxon. 

I must be off now. I’m going to play bridge 
at the Fishers’. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

{Turning impulsively to Moxon.] George, 
please stay at home. 


88 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Moxox. 

Why ? What’s the matter ? 

Mks. Moxon. 

[Faltering .] Nothing; but I’d rather you 
stayed. 

Moxox. 

But they expect me. We arranged the game 
yesterday. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

Couldn’t you send them word ? 

Moxox. 

It’s too late now. I told Hassell to call for 
me. He’ll be here directly. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Then you can send word by him. 

Moxox. 

But what excuse can I make ? I can’t say 
I’m ill, because he’ll be able to see for himself 
that I’m not. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

No, you can’t say that. It would be untrue. 
[Impulsively.'] Wouldn’t it be enough to say 
that your wife begged you to remain ? 

Moxox. 

[Laughing.] They would think I was on 
leading strings. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 89 


Mrs. Moxon. 

[Earnestly .] Would that matter for once ? 

Moxox. 

Now, don’t persist, my dear. I can’t go and 
break an important engagement because you 
take a sudden fancy to have me stay at home. 
[Amiably.] I’ll stay at home to-morrow. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

To-morrow won’t do! 

Moxox. 

[In mild surprise.'] Aren’t you well, Martha ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Trying to speak lightly to disguise her agita¬ 
tion.] Oh, yes, thank you, I feel particularly 
well. [She moves toward the window. 

Miss Mills. 

[Anxiously.] Are you going out, Martha ? 

Mrs. Moxox. 

Yes. [She stays at the window and says un¬ 
certainly^ No, I don’t know. [Then she sees 
they are all looking at her.] Oh, I don’t know 
what I’m going to do. 

[She goes guiekly right across the room 
and out of the door. 


90 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Miss Mills. 

[To Moxon.] You ought to stay. 

Moxox. 

When I want your advice I shall ask for it. 
Miss Mills. 

Please don’t forget you are speaking to a 
fuest. [To White.] Mr. White, you will find 
Captain Drew on the terrace. 

White. 

[Taking her hint.] Oh, yes, thank you. 

[Exit White. 

Miss Mills. 

What a change there is in Martha! 

Moxox. 

[Puzzled.'] Change ? What change ? 

Miss Mills. 

She seems so much younger and brighter. 
Moxox. 

Does she ? I hadn’t noticed any difference. 
Miss Mills. 

Don’t you think she looks better ? 

Moxox. 

She always looks about the same. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


91 


Miss Mills. 

Have you noticed her clothes ? 

Moxox. 

Hot particularly. 

Miss Mills. 

[Exasperated.'] Then you ought to have 
-done so. If she doesn’t wear pretty clothes for 
you, she wears them for some one else. 

Moxon. 

[ Vaguely .Who ? 

Miss Mills. 

Some one doesn’t come somewhere for 
nothing. 

Moxon. 

I don’t know what you mean. 

Miss Mills. 

I should think Captain Drew makes a great 
many conquests. 

Moxox. 

Charming fellow, isn’t he ? 

Miss Mills. 

I suppose you’ve no idea what a temptation 
it is to some of us—after we’ve had a few sue- 


92 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


cess es—to go flirting about with every one— 
[ pointedly , as she goes toward him ] single or 
married. 

Moxox. 

[Startled.] Oh ! [lie looks at Miss Mills, 
then lays his hand kindly on her shoulder.] My 
dear young lady, I knew your father well, and 
I have the greatest respect for your mother— 
don’t try anything of that sort on with me. 

Miss Mills. 

You ! I flirt with you! [She laughs.] That 
would be exhilarating—a flirtation with you. 
Oh, no, thank you, I’d rather be excused. 

Moxox. 

Then do say what you’re driving at. 

Miss Mills. 

It’s like teaching any one the A. B. C. Can’t 
you see that Captain Drew and Martha - 

Moxox. 

What! You mean to suggest he comes here 

to- [Dismissing the idea.] Oh, it’s—it’s 

absurd! 

Miss Mills. 

It’s not at all absurd. Martha looks very 
nice . . . when she’s dressed up. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


93 


Moxox. 

But I thought you were the attraction. 

Miss Mills. 

[Sadly.] So did I! 

Moxox. 

If I had any suspicion that my wife- 

Miss Mills. 

[Rather uneasy at what she has done.] I am 
sure Martha will never do anything she 
shouldn’t. She may be fond of him, but she 
has dignity and self-control—and so has he. 
It’s not as if they were two French people. 
[There is a movement of impatience from 
Moxox.] I only told you this to put you on 
your guard! So that you would stay at home 
and be nice to her instead of prancing out with 
that Hassell, whom you’ve suddenly become so 
fond of—just out of opposition to all of us. 
But, of course, you’ll take it all wrong and be 
nastier than ever. 


Moxon. 

I don’t believe there’s anything in what you 
say. You’ve been reading novels. You mustn’t 
come here putting these notions into our heads. 
I don’t like it. I’m afraid you have a nasty 
mind. 



94 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Miss Mills. 

[ Indignantly .] Oh, how unjust! How un¬ 
grateful ! How like you ! 

{Enter the Maid. 


Maid. 

Mr. Chester Hassell. 

Miss MillI 

Oh—oh! 

[Miss Mills runs out into the garden. 
Enter Hassell. The Maid goes. 

Hassell. 

Are you ready, Moxon ? 

Moxon. 

Good-evening, Hassell. I can’t go to the 
Fishers’ with you. 


Hassell. 

But, my dear Moxon, we can’t have a game 
if you don’t come. 


Moxon. 

That’s a pity—sit down. 


Hassell. 

It’s so late to cry off now—unless you have 
some very special reason. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


95 


Moxox. 

I have no reason at all—only my wife asked 
me to stay with her. 

Hassell. 

I hope Mrs. Moxon is well ? 

Moxox. 

She says she feels particularly well. I don’t 
know what it’s all about. I suppose she must 
have hysteria. 

Hassell. 

If you can’t come I must go and hunt up 
somebody else. 

Moxox. 

One moment. On the other hand, if I stay 
at home, Miss Mills will think I am taking 
her advice, so I will come to the Fishers’ with 
you. 

Hassell. 

Good ! 


Moxox. 

I’m very much annoyed with Miss Mills. 
Hassell. 

Oh! 


g6 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Moxox. 

Now, Hassell, you know the kind of people 
we are. 

Hassell. 

Yes. Why ? Aren’t you ? 

Moxox. 

Of course we are. I have no wish to hold 
my household* up as a model but I think I may 
say it is a very fair example of a well conducted 
English home—isn’t it ? 

Hassell. 

Certainly. 

Moxon. 

Well, Miss Mills has had the impertinence 
to tell me, to my face, that my wife is carrying 

on a flirtation with- 

[Miss Mills appears at the window . 

Miss Mills. 

I didn’t. I only told you to look out. 

Hassell. 

Good-evening, Miss Mills. 

Miss Mills. 

Please understand, Mr. Hassell, that you and 
I are not on speaking terms. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


97 


[Miss Mills disappears from the win¬ 
dow. Hassell smiles. Moxox closes 
the window. 

Moxox. 

She won’t do that again in a hurry. 

[At the same time Miss Mills reopens 
the window and disappears. 

Hassell. 

You were saying before we were interrupted 
—she said your wife was carrying on a flirta¬ 
tion with— [as if he were trying to remember a 
name ] who was it ? 

Moxox. 

He shall be nameless. 

Hassell. 

Oh—Captain Drew, wasn’t it ? 

Moxox. 

Yes. But he shall be nameless. I ought not 
to have mentioned this to you, but I was so 
annoyed. To think of any one daring even to 
hint at such a thing in connection with Mrs. 
Moxon. 

Hassell. 

I know how you feel. You had to tell some 
one to relieve your feelings. 


98 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Moxon. 

Exactly. I see you understand me. 


Perfectly. 


Hassell. 


Moxox. 

You won’t let this go any further. 


Hassell. 

Certainly not. You can trust me. 


Moxox. 

Thanks, Hassell. I’m sure you are my friend. 

{He offers Hassell his hand. 


Hassell. 

{Grasping it.] Indeed I am. 

Moxox. 

And I’m yours. 

Hassell. 

Thanks. Oh, by the way—I don’t like to ask 
you. Only—some money—I was expecting 
hasn’t turned up. It will, of course—but I 
wonder if you could help me out meanwhile. 

Moxox. 

I should be delighted—only at present my 
money is all so tied up. Try Fisher. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


99 


Hassell. 

I did. His was tied up, too. 

Moxox. 

How unfortunate. Just when you want it, 
too. {Taking Hassell’s arm .] Come along, 
old fellow, we must be olf. And you might 
win a lot at bridge. 

Hassell. 

Yes, about three and six pence. 

Moxox. 

Well, that’s a beginning. Koine wasn’t built 
in a day. 

{Exit Hassell and Moxox. Miss 
Mills peeps cautiously through the 
window , before she advances into the 
room beckoning to White who follows 
her. 


Miss Mills. 

There! You heard everything. 

White. 

That’s nothing new. He’s always trying to 
borrow money, only he never pays it back—so 
no one will lend him any more. 


100 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Miss Mills. 

I don’t mean the money part. But fancy 
him telling that odious Mr. Hassell, of all 
people, what we think about Captain Drew and 
Martha. 

White. 

[ Vaguely. ] Yes. 

Miss Mills. 

You don’t seem to see the gravity of it. Mr. 
Hassell is the most vindictive creature. He’ll 
make up a scandal about them if he can. He 
hates them so. 


White. 

Why? 

Miss Mills. 

Ever since they advised me not to have him. 
White. 

What! 


Miss Mills. 

[Smiling indulgently.] I shouldn’t have had 
him anyway. [Touching him on the arm.'] I 
don’t like such dark men. [White smiles and 
strokes his fair moustache.] But when I refused 
him he said if he ever found out anything 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


IOI 


against Captain Drew or Martha it would be 
the worse for them. Those were his very 
words: “It will be the worse for them.” 

White. 

I don’t think you need have let him propose 
to you. 


Miss Mills. 

How was I to prevent it? And then if he 
didn’t go and tell Lucy Fisher that I as good 
as proposed to him. Oh! [W hite laughs. 
Miss Mills turns to him indignantly .] Mr. 
White, I’m surprised. 

White. 

\Confused^\ I beg your pardon. 

Miss Mills. 

[ Distantly .] I’m not sure that I shall grant it. 
White. 

Well, now, what are we to do about Mrs. 
Moxon and Hal ? 


Miss Mills. 

It’s all your fault for bringing him here. 


White. 

It doesn’t help us much to say it’s my fault. 


102 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Miss Mills. 

You made the muddle, so you must get them 
out. 

White. 

But I don’t know how unless you help me. 

Miss Mills. 

I’m not sure that it would be quite nice for 
me to interfere. I’m not married. 

White. 

You could be married if you would. [Lean¬ 
ing over her he says sentimentally .] Izzy ! 

Miss Mills. 

What a tactless opportunity to take. 

White. 

Very well, then. You leave everything to 
me ? 

Miss Mills. 

Certainly not. You’ll only go and make 
things worse. You must have a serious talk 
with Captain Drew. Call him in here. You’ll 
be able to watch the workings of his face 
better by this light. 

White. 

{Despondently .] He won’t listen to me. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 103 
Miss Mills. 

You must do your best. I’ll go and have 
a few womanly words with Martha. [ Confi¬ 
dently .] She'll listen to me. I’m thoroughly 
worked up over this. [ Exit Miss Mills. 

White. 

{Despondently .] Now for it. [He goes to 
the window and calls I] Hal! [Mrs. Moxon 
is heard singing Tosti's “Good-bye." After a 
short interval White calls again .] Hal! 

[Enter Drew from the garden. 

Drew. 

Well, what is it ? I say—I’ve just thought 
of such a funny yarn. It’ll make you scream. 

White. 

I don’t wish to scream at present, thank you. 

Drew. 

[Hearing the song , he motions WHITE to be 
silent.\ Sh-! Mrs. Moxon is singing. 

[He listens. 

White. 

I want to speak to you. 

Drew. 

Not while she sings. 

[White makes a circle toward the door 
and stands with his back to it facing 


104 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 

Drew in order to prevent him leaving. 
They stand so till the song is finished. 

Drew. 

Shall we join them ? 

White. 

Not till I’ve spoken. 

Drew. 

Well, what is it? Am I to be court-mar¬ 
tialed ? 

White. 

Are you never serious ? 

Drew. 

Oh, often; but, fortunately, you can always 
make me laugh. 

White. 

She never used to sing before you came. 
Drew. 

Because no one cared to hear her. You’ll 
get lumbago if you stand there. 

file makes a move as if he were going 
back into the garden. 

White. 

Now, now, now ! 

[White goes quickly to the window and 
stands as he did at the door. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


105 


Drew. 

Oh, don’t keep tacking about like that. Sit 
down and say what you want to. 

[He sits down and takes out a cigarette . 

White. 

You mayn’t smoke in here. 

Drew. 

Yes, I may. I’ve had special leave. 

White. 

She couldn’t bear the smell of smoke before. 
Now, that shows you. 

Drew. 

[Lighting his cigarette.\ What does it show 
‘ me ? 

White. 

I think it’s gone far enough. 

Drew. 

How are you getting on with Izzy ? 

White. 

I’m not going to be put off that way. I 
think it’s time you tell Mrs. Moxon you are not 
serious. 

Drew. 

I wish you wouldn’t be so meddlesome. 


106 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


White. 

I must be meddlesome. Consider my respon¬ 
sibilities. I brought you here. When you said 
you were going to make love to Mrs. Moxon I 
thought you were only chaffing. 

Drew. 

So I was. 

White. 

It’s rather too bad to keep on fooling her. 

Drew. 

[Indignantly.\ I’m not fooling her. 

White. 

That makes it far worse. 

Drew. 

You don’t understand, and I can’t explain. 
It’s too complicated. I mean—it’s quite simple 
—but I’m not answerable to you. There are 
some things a man can’t discuss. [He walks to 
and fro in the room before he adds.\ I suppose 
if I leave it at that—you’ll go and think things. 

White. 

What would you think yourself if you saw 
two people always together, very intimate and 
confidential, and one of them was you f 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 107 


Drew. 

I should think nothing disrespectful if the 
other one was Mrs. Moxon. She’s the best 
woman in the world and she needs no defence 
from me. You gave me quite a wrong idea of 
her the first time I came—or I shouldn’t have 
talked all that rubbish about making up to her. 
I thought she was going to be one of those pre¬ 
cise, chilly-fingered English women, stiff with 
conceit and whalebone—you know the kind. I 
hadn’t talked to her for ten minutes before I 
found out she was as straight and simple as a 
child, at first rather shy and mistrustful, but 
after we made friends, so confiding. As she re¬ 
vealed herself, unconsciously, my heart went 
out to her. I was completely charmed and 
conquered. No woman has ever appealed to me 
as she does. I want to be always with her. I 
can’t rest when I’m away. In the morning I 
can scarcely wait till it’s decently late to come 
here. I’m happier if I’ve made her smile than 
if I were made an admiral. But you needn’t 
be afraid, for you see, her simplicity disarms me, 
and her confidence puts me on my honour. 

White. 

[. Thoughtfully .] But, after all, she is a 
woman, and you are a man. 

Drew. 

You are full of useful information. 


108 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


White. 

If you want my opinion. 

Drew. 

Thank you, I don’t. 

White. 

I think you ought to go away. 

Drew. 

I knew that was coming. It’s what any one 
would say on the spur of the moment. It was 
my own first impulse—when I began to recog¬ 
nize where I was. Oh, you needn’t think I 
haven’t walked up and down and round and 
round that studio of yours, arguing with myself 
till my own head went round and round too. 
At first I thought, “ This won’t do, this is all 
wrong.” Then I thought, “Why, why?” 
Love need not be guilty. It’s only because I’ve 
debased it so often that I think it is something 
to be ashamed of. Why must I crush the 
strongest and best emotion I ever felt ? Don’t 
we spend our lives searching out sympathetic 
companions? And aren’t we always having 
disappointments and dropping people because 
they won’t do? Well, if at last I have found 
some one who will do—some one who helps me 
to be my best self, some one whom I can help— 
why on earth should I leave her ? 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 109 
W HITE. 

Because she’s married. 

Drew. 

She’s not happy with her husband. 

White. 

How do you know ? 

Drew. 

How could any one be happy with Moxon ? 


W HITE. 

He’s selfish and tiresome, but he’s not bad 
natured. 

Drew. 

[ Vehemently .] He humiliates her, snubs her 
whenever she speaks. Sometimes when I hear 
him, knowing how sensitive she is, I can scarcely 
keep still. It’s like seeing her struck. And I 
can’t do anything. 


White. 

I am so afraid you will do something some 
time. 


Drew. 

It would only get her into trouble. 


no 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


White. 

I think you magnify Mrs. Moxon’s unhappi¬ 
ness. When a woman has been married as long 
as she has, I don’t suppose she knows if she is 
happy or not. She’s got so used to it. 

Drew. 

[ Ironically .] That’s such a comforting 
thought for men. Don’t let us distress our¬ 
selves thinking how many women suffer in 
silence. Let’s make up our minds that they 
like it. 

White. 

Even if Moxon is not as nice to her as he 
might be, I don’t see that you can do anything. 

Drew. 

I can distract her. I can show her that 
some one finds her charming. And while I can 
do the smallest thing to vary the monotony of 
her life, I stay. 

White. 

But you can’t stay here forever. 

Drew. 

No, till I get my orders. 

White. 

The chief danger isn’t you or people gossip- 
ing, it’s- [He is abruptly silent. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


III 


Drew. 

What ? 

White. 

I don’t know if it’s safe to tell you. 

Drew. 

[.Impatiently .] Go on. 

White. 

[. Hesitating , then blurting , outi ] She can’t 
help showing she’s in love with you . 

[There is a silence during which Drew 
looks very grave . 

Drew. 

Has any one spoken of this ? 

White. 


Yes. 


Who? 


Drew. 


White. 

[i Guiltily .] I did—to Miss Mills. 
Drew. 

I think you might have kept quiet. 
White. 

But I had to enlighten her. 


112 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 
Drew. 

Eh? 


White. 

She was under the impression that you came 
here so often to see her , so I told her, and she 
told Moxon, and Moxon told Hassell, and - 

Drew. 

[Angrily.] So you are all spying and whis¬ 
pering, putting an evil construction on every 
innocent word and look. It’s monstrous. 
[■Before he sjpeaks to White again, he paces up 
and down the room.] When did you begin 
talking about this ? 

White. 

Only this evening. There’s no harm done 
yet. 

Drew. 

But they are all on the lookout. Even as I 
say “ Good-night,” they’ll think she lets me 
hold her hand a second longer than she need. 
They’ll see a guilty meaning if she looks at 
me, or if she looks away. I won’t have her 
watched and pointed at. I’ll protect her from 
that. How ? You’ve made it impossible for me 
to behave towards her in any way. A.nd 
they saw in my romance only another vulgar 
intrigue. [Tie leans on mantelshelf in deep 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 113 

thought before he continues quietly .] There’s 
only one way now to save her from insult. I 
must go away. It does seem like deserting 
her. I must go at once. I’ll leave to-morrow. 
I’ll say u Good-bye ” to Mrs. Moxon now. [He 
moves to. the door. Mrs. Moxon is heard 
again singing Tosti’s “ Good-bye .” Drew 
stops when he hears her with his hand on the 
door handle .] No, not now. I think it will be 
better to come up in the morning. I’m going 
home this way. 

[He returns and makes for the window. 

White. 

All right. I’ll go and get our hats. 

[Exit White. As he leaves the door 
open the song is heard more distinctly. 

Drew. 

[Zistening.\ Good-bye, good-bye. 

[Exit Drew. White re-enters with a 
hat in each hand. 

White. 

Hullo ! Has he gone already ? 

[He follows Drew. Enter Miss Mills 
hurriedly. 

Miss Mills. 

[Calling.'] Mr. White! 


114 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


White. 

[ Turning .] Oh, I say, we are going to cut 
home. I’ve persuaded ‘ him to go away to¬ 
morrow. 

Miss Mills. 

Now I didn’t think you had it in you. 

White. 

How did you succeed with Mrs. Moxon ? 

Miss Mills. 

Well, of course, women are much harder to 
deal with than men. You had a very simple 
job. You only had to talk a man over, while 


White. 

Had no success at all. Tell Mrs. Moxon that 
Hal has to join his ship to-morrow. Tell her 
kindly. 

Miss Mills. 

Well, really, Mr. White, I don’t think it’s 
your place to dictate to me. 

White. 

Tell her the way you think best. 

Miss Mills. 

I’ve tried woman to woman. That’s no 
good. I know what I’ll do, I’ll make light 
of everything and laugh it all off. 



CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


“5 


White. 

Splendid idea. I must hurry after Hal. 
Good-night. 

[Exit White into the garden. Mrs. 
Moxoh comes in by the door. 

Miss Mills. 

[Assuming unnatural cheerfulness .] Well, 
Martha, they’ve gone. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Slightly surprised .] Gone. Without say¬ 
ing good-night ? 


Miss Mills. 

[By the window .] Yes, there they are, cross¬ 
ing the field. [Mrs. Moxon goes and also 
looks off.\ W e shall know when they get home 
by the light in the studio window. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

Yes, I always know when Captain Drew is 
at home by that light among the trees. 

Miss Mills. 

I wonder he isn’t afraid to sleep down there 
by himself. I should be. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

But he’s so brave. 


116 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 


Miss Mills. 

[Breaking into a ringing laugh Such a 
good joke, Martha. It’s against myself, too. 
You know I thought Captain Drew came here 
so often to see me. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Oh, did you, dear ? It never struck me so. 

Miss Mills. 

I know better now. Oh, I can take a joke 
against myself in very good part. [She stops 
her laughing to say. ] Now some people were 
under the impression that he came to see you. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[Nervously Oh, well—I suppose he comes 
to see all of us. 


Miss Mills. 

Sit down and let me tell you. [Mrs. Moxon 
does so. Miss Mills resumes her unnaturally 
cheerful manner .] You know that man de¬ 
serves whipping. It seems he made a wager 
with Mr. White that he could make you fall in 
love with him. 


Mrs. Moxon. 

I can’t believe Captain Drew would do such 
a thing. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


ii 7 


Miss Mills. 

But Mr. White himself told me, and you 
know sailors are notorious for making love to 
all the women they meet. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I don’t think he is like that. 

Miss Mills. 

I expect he’s like all the others, if one doesn’t 
see him through rose-colored spectacles. / 
wouldn’t trust a man with such taking manners. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

He is always so merry, but not unkind. It 
would be cruel to pay court to a woman to 
ridicule her. 

Miss Mills. 

Well, of course, Martha, you are not a young 
girl. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[. Hastily .] Ho, no! I was not thinking of 
myself. 

Miss Mills. 

I’m glad he didn’t win the wager. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

That was fortunate, wasn’t it ? Perhaps if I 

had been a weaker woman- 

\Her voice breaks ; she looks away. 



Il8 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 

Miss Mills. 

[ Watching her anxiously , but trying to speak 
gaily.] It doesn’t matter now, anyway, be¬ 
cause he’s gone away. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[deceiving this intelligence with a sudden 
shock at her hearty Gone away ! 

Miss Mills. 

[Still thinking it best to laugh.] Yes, to join 
his ship. 

Mrs., Moxox. 

[Showing her emotion , she goes quickly to 
Miss Mills and seizes hold of her.] Child, 
child, stop laughing! Tell me ! Will he never 
come back ? 

Miss Mills. 

[Alarmed.] Martha! 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Leaving hold of Miss Mills, and saying 
in very measured tones.] It’s nothing. I was 
taken by surprise, that’s all. You’d better say 
good-night to me now. 

Miss Mills. 

Good-night. 

[She goes out of the room quietly and 
quickly. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


119 


Mrs. Moxon. 

I can’t bear it. [She clenches her hands to¬ 
gether and holds them to her mouth to prevent 
her sobs being heard ; stretches her arms toward 
the house where she knows he is and says pas¬ 
sionately.' 1 Come back and tell me it’s not 
true. Tell me, tell me! [She pauses , drops 
her arms , and says in a different tone.\ Tell 

me- [Again she is silent a moment , then 

says with decision.] I must know. [Snatch¬ 
ing up her scarf she goes out guickly through the 
window.'] I must know. 

[The curtain falls when she moves to the 
window. 



THE THIRD ACT 

SCENE.— The studio in White’s garden. It is 
a high square room with a door opening into 
the garden. A curtained entrance leads to 
the bedroom. There are no easels or signs of 
a painter's work, as the room is not now used 
as a studio. In the middle is a settee , by it a 
small writing-desk. There is a table with a 
lamp standing on it, a syphon of soda water , 
a decanter of whiskey, a jug of water, and 
tumblers on a tray. Mats and rugs on the 
floor and other furniture make the place both 
well furnished and comfortable. 

As the curtain rises Drew and White enter 
dressed as in the previous act. 

White. 

I’ll just have one drink with you before I 
turn in. [He mixes whiskies while Drew sits 
disconsolately on the settee / he glances once or 
twice at Drew before he says .] You’ll feel bet¬ 
ter when you get right away. You ought to 
go to someplace where there’s plenty of dancing 
and fun, and you’ll soon be yourself again. 

120 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


121 


Drew. 

Please don’t try to cheer me up. It’s the one 
thing I couldn’t stand just now. 

White. 

Have you thought where you’ll go to-morrow ? 
Deew. 

I’ll take a train somewhere. 

White. 

Why not have a few days in London ? 

Deew. 

What’s the use ? The bounce has gone out 
of everything. 

White. 

Well, here. 

[He gives Deew a tumbler of whiskey 
and soda. 

Deew. 

[Taking it mechanically .] I suppose there 
isn’t a train anywhere to-night ? 

White. 

1STo, the last one left at ten fifteen. It’s 
nearly eleven now r . 

Deew. 

Is that all ? Think of the hours and hours 
till to-morrow. I never could stand waiting. 


122 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


I always had to be doing something. Now that 
I’ve made up my mind to go, I want to go—not 
that there’s anywhere to go to. I w T ish they’d 
have a war and send me out to get shot. [He 
holds up his glass.] Chin chin. 

[They both drink 

White. 

At any rate you’ll have the satisfaction of 
knowing that you did the right thing. 

Drew. 

It’s the only thing to do—to go away and 
leave her. I’ve known that for some time, but 
I wouldn’t own up, even to myself. Somehow* 
the last few days, we’ve had less to say to each 
other. I couldn’t go on saying ordinary things,, 
when it was always on the tip of my tongue to 
tell her one thing. And it’s the silences that 
are so dangerous. All the self-control of weeks, 
may be undone in a moment, a-nd it isn’t the 
long self-control that goes to your credit then. 
It’s the one moment of weakness that goes to 
your discredit. Oh, well, it does no good to 
talk about it. [He commences to pack his things 
in a dress-suit case.] I’d better get my gear 
together. 

White. 

Would you like some one to come and do your 
packing ? 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 123 
Drew. 

No, thanks. It may do me good to get in a 
bad temper, and I’m sure to do that if I do my 
-own packing. 

White. 

Will you be all right if I leave you ? 

Drew. 

Oh, yes. Your man generally comes later on 
to see if I want anything. 

White. 

Then I’ll say good-night. 

Drew. 

Good-night. 

White. 

[Up at the door he says.] Will you have the 
door left open ? 

Drew. 

Yes, thanks. I like the air. Go to your bunk 
and dream of Izzy. 

White. 

I’ve dreamed of her three nights running. 

[Exit W hite. Drew takes the rose from 
his buttonhole and holds it in his hand. 


124 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Drew. 

[Tenderly.~] Poor lady! 

[He fills a tumbler and places the rose 
carefully in water. Then he hums the 
refrain of Tosti’s “ Good-bye ” as he 
begins putting clothes into the suit-case. 
Mrs. Moxox appears in the doorway 
and stands on the threshold , watching 
him. Drew turns and sees her. He 
stands still. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

You are packing, I see. 

Drew. 

I find I must leave here to-morrow. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

So I have heard. 

Drew. 

I meant to come up and say “ good-bye ” to 
you in the morning. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I did not hear that. 

Drew. 

I’m so sorry to go, but, of course, one can’t 
be away on leave all the time. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I quite understand. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


125 


Drew . 

Won’t you sit down ? 

Mrs. Moxox. 

No, I mustn’t stay. It was so oppressive in 
the house I stepped on to the terrace. I could 
see your light through the trees, and it’s only 
across two fields- 


Drew. 

[ Watching her intently .] You want to tell 
me something. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Irresolutely .] No. Don’t let me interrupt 
your packing. 


Drew. 

I’m not sure that I shall pack now. 

\_He closes his suit-case, then he goes 
to the door and shuts it. Her eyes fall 
on the rose in the tumbler. She ex¬ 
claims with almost childish pleasure. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

You did put my rose in water ? [She stands 
looking at the rose and smiling a moment or so, 
then she turns and scrutinizes the room .] So 
this is where you sit of an evening. I often 
wondered how it looked. 



126 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 


Drew. 

And I have so often imagined you coming in 
at the door and moving about the place that 
now I hardly know if I’m not dreaming. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I did come to tell you something—to ask 
you something. 

Drew. 

What ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[After a short pause and awkwardly .] Have 
you been making fun of me all this while ? 

Drew. 

Ho, no. It’s not true. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I couldn’t quite believe it of you, but they 
told me—something about a wager between 
you and Mr. White. 

Drew. 

I’ll tell you everything. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I want the truth. 

Drew. 

[ With an effort.'] Before I saw you—I 
said- [He stops , embarrassed. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


127 


Yes? 


Mrs. Moxox. 


Drew. 

I’m so afraid yon won’t understand me. 


Mrs. Moxox. 

I shall try. 

Drew. 

I never knew a really good woman very well 
—till now. You see, in the Navy we go out 
into the world so soon. We get our ideals 
knocked on the head in no time. And if we 
are stationed abroad for a long while, as I was, 
we get to know a lot of second-rate people who 
make a great deal of us. It’s all done out of 
kindness, but the trouble is, we think that’s life, 
we think those are real people, and it lowers 
our standard—especially our standard of women. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

Ah! 


Drew. 

I was like that when I came here, and I told 
Ernest—I think I said I was going to try and 
make an impression on you. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

Then it is true ? 


128 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Drew. 

It was before I knew you. I’d never seen 
you. It does make a difference, doesn’t it ? 
If I said that before or after I knew you ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[. Doubtfully .] Yes—oh, yes. I’m gla‘d you 
pointed that out to me. 

Drew. 

Of course, when I knew you, it was different. 
I realized how different that very first day. 
And ever since—day by day, while we’ve been 
together. As I’ve looked deeper and deeper 
into your mind and into your heart, I’ve been 
filled with reverence for your unselfishness, 
your patience, and your devotion. I’ve seen 
my ideal of a woman. The woman I would 
like my wife to have been—but it’s too late 
now. \JIe moves away a littlel\ I think I 
ought to go away from here. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[ Nervously .] I think so. I think so. 

Drew. 

I shall remember this past month as the 
happiest time of my whole life. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 


129 


Mrs. Moxon. 

[ Wistfully .] A pleasant holiday ? 

Drew. 

Something much more real than that. A 
good influence that will stay with me forever. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I shan’t feel ashamed any more. It hurt me 
to think how much I had done to try and 
please you, and then to be told you were only 
making fun of me. But that’s all over now. 
I must go back. [She gives him her hand.'] 
Good-bye, and thank you. 

Drew. 

[.Taking her hand and saying tenderly.] 

The best I can wish you is that you’ll forget 
me. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I have told you I shall never forget you. 

Drew. 

Will you be just as content after I’m gone as 
you were before I came ? 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[ Withdrawing her hand.] I was dead be¬ 
fore you came. You made me live. 


130 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 


Drew. 

It is better to live, even if one suffers. 

Mrs. Moxojst. 

Oh, yes. You see, I was never one to lead. 
I could always feel a great deal more than I 
could say, and I don’t think my husband was 
ever of opinion that a wife should be a com¬ 
panion. Sometimes I have wondered if he 
wouldn’t be as happy with any one else who 
looked after him as well as I did. He was 
always kind to me—at least, he was never un¬ 
kind—only he forgets. He doesn’t see how a 
woman prizes a little notice taken of her now 
and then, and she can’t ask for it. Perhaps it’s 
vain to want attention, but so very little makes 
us happy. And I have never had it in all my 
pfe—till now. Oh, the first time you sent me 
flowers! I cried so. And when I had a head¬ 
ache one day and kept my room, and you came 
early the next morning to ‘see if I was better. 
Do you remember ? It is all these pretty atten¬ 
tions you have paid me that have made me live 
again" That you should think me worth it, not 
because I am useful, but as a woman ! I’m so 
grateful to you, so grateful. 

Drew. 

{Brokenly .] Don’t thank me, please don’t. 
It’s nothing I’ve done for you. It’s nothing I 
can do, and I want to do so much- 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


131 


Mrs. Moxox. 

[Tears rolling down her cheeks .] Dear friend, 
dear friend. I know it’s very hard to say good¬ 
bye, but we always knew this had to come. 

Drew. 

It breaks my heart to leave you, dear, to 
leave you. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I shall miss you. I shall miss you dread¬ 
fully. 

Drew. 

[Anxiously .] Do you dread going back ? 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Simply.] My life is there. 

Drew. 

If only we had met in time. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

It’s best as it is. Often in the last few days 
I have thought—suppose you and I had met 
long ago, and had become engaged and mar¬ 
ried, it wouldn’t have been wise. I should be 
such a quiet mouse among your gay friends— 
it’s best as it is. Try to think that. And now, 
good-night, dear friend. 


132 CAPTA/JV DREW ON LEAVE 

Drew. 

Good-bye, my dear, dear lady. \He draws 
her gently to him , folds her tenderly in his 
arms , and hisses her forehead. She yields nat¬ 
urally to his embrace. There are two knocks on 
the door. They separate. Drew, assuringly , 
and in a low tone.] It’s only the servant come 
to see if I want anything. Stand aside while I 
speak to him. It’s all right, it’s all right. 

[She stands out of sight of the door, 
which Drew opens. Hassell is 
there. He has been drinking , so that 
his manner is blustering / but he has 
all his wits about him. 

Hassell. 

Good-evening, Drew. 

Drew. 

[Taken by surprise .] Hullo ! [Hassell is 
about to enter. Drew, quickly.] I can’t ask 
you in. 

Hassell. 

Oh! Why not ? 

Drew. 

To tell you the truth, Hassell, I don’t care to 
have you here. 

Hassell. 

Am I disturbing a pleasant little interview ? 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 1 33 


Drew. 

Not at all, but you must have noticed that 
ever since I came here I’ve avoided meeting 
you. 

Hassell. 

Oh, yes; I’ve noticed it. I’ve not dropped 
in just in a friendly way. I shouldn’t come 
here unless I had something very important to 
tell you. 

Drew. 

It’s too late now. You can come and see me 
in the morning. 

\IIe tries to shut the door on Hassell. 

Hassell. 

[.Holding the door to prevent this.'] What I 
have to say won’t keep till morning. 

Drew. 

Then say it here. 

Hassell. 

It must be said behind closed doors. Too 
many trees and bushes about. Some one might 
be listening. 

Drew. 


What nonsense! 


134 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Hassell. 

I suppose there’s nobody in there who could 
overhear us ? 

Drew. 

Nobody. [He motions Mrs. Moxon to leave . 


Hassell. 

Then we may as well go in. 

[He attempts to enter , as Mrs. Moxon 
va/nishes behind the curtains. 


Drew. 

[Losing his temper .] Look here, Hassell, I 
won’t have you forcing your way in like this. 

Hassell. 

Then there is some one there. 

Drew. 

No, but- 

Hassell. 

It wouldn’t be the first time you were caught 
with a woman. [Laughing .] Don’t you re¬ 
member that night in Hong Kong ? 

Drew. 

I don’t want to have to turn you out. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


135 


Hassell. 

If you try anything of that sort on, do you 
know what I shall do? I shall raise such a 
shout that Ernest White and all his servants 
will come running to see what the row is. [He 
faces Drew dtfiantly.] How, then, may I 
come in ? 

Drew. 

Ho. 


Hassell. 

[Looking up the garden .] I can see the light 
in White’s bedroom window. He’d easily hear 
me if I called. 

[He puts his hands to his mouth as if 
about to shout. 

Drew. 

Stop! I don’t want a brawl here. [He 
glances round to see if Mrs. Moxox is out of 
sight .] Say what you want to—quickly. 

[He moms back into the room . 

Hassell. 

We must have the door closed. [He comes; 
in.] I suppose I may sit down ? 


Sit here. 


Drew. 


136 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Hassell. 

No, thanks, I’ll sit here. _ [He sits facing the 
curtains, and then presses his hand to Ins brow.] 
Oh, dear, I’ve got such a head. 

Drew. 

[Eagerly.] Have a drink. 

[He fetches a tumbler and the wlnskey 
decanter. 


Hassell. 

Thanks, I don’t mind. [Drew fills the tum¬ 
bler half full of whiskey. Hassell watches 
him 1 Steady ! [He takes the tumbler from 
Drew.] I may be a bit on, but I’ve still got 
my wits about me. {liepours some of the whis¬ 
key on the floor.] Fill it up, please. [Drew 
fills the tumbler up with water.] Bather nice 
quarters you’ve got here. 

Drew. 

[Curtly.] Yes, they are all right. 

Hassell. 

Just this and- [Indicating the curtains.] 

I suppose that’s your bedroom ? 

Drew. 

Yes, but—your business, please. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


137 


Hassell. 

Yes. I’ve been playing bridge at the Fish¬ 
ers’ this evening, and- 

\IIe picks up the tumbler with the rose in 
it and smells the rose. 

Drew. 

{Indignantly .] Don’t touch that. 

[He snatches the tumbler from Hassell. 

Hassell. 

[Surprised i\ All right. 

Drew. 

FTow, then, what do you want to say ? 
Hassell. 

I’ve been playing bridge at the Fishers’- 

Drew. 

You’ve said that once. 

Hassell. 

Have a bit of patience. Moxon was there. 
Drew. 

[Affecting indifference .] Well ? 

Hassell. 

Well, one time when I was dummy I wan¬ 
dered into the hall; the drawing-room door was 



I 38 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 

open, and I overheard part of a conversation 
between Lucy Fisher and a friend of hers. L ou 
know she’s a bit of a scandalmonger, Lucy 
Fisher is. 


Drew. 

I scarcely know her. 

Hassell. 

She was telling her friend about you and 
Mrs. Moxon. Said you were carrying on a 
desperate flirtation, and that Moxon was being 
fooled. 


Drew. 

[Trying to speak casually .] Women will 
talk scandal, you know, even where there’s no 
scandal to talk. 

Hassell. 

Yes. 


Drew. 

I’m afraid I shall not be able to provide any 
further interest or amusement for Miss Lucy 
Fisher and her friends, as I leave here to-mor¬ 
row. [Hassell looks surprised!] In fact, I 
must pack now. I’m sure you’ll excuse me. 
[He takes Hassell’s hat and gives it to , him.] 
Good-night. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


39 


Hassell. 

I’ve not nearly done yet. When the rubber 
was finished, I told Moxon what I had over¬ 
heard. 


Drew. 

[In a rage.] You—you- [Then he con¬ 

trols himself ’.] Go on. 

Hassell. 

It seems that Miss Mills had already told him 
that you and his wife were a bit too thick—but 
he thought nothing of it. But when he heard 
it a second time—you know he’s one of those 
slow, half-asleep men: it takes a lot to rouse 
him, but when he is roused—by Jove! He’d 
have made a scene if I hadn’t persuaded him to 
leave the house. 


Drew. 

Where did you take him ? 

Hassell. 

Home. He is looking for his wife. [There 
is silence during which they look at each other.] 
When he gets home he tells the servant to send 
Mrs. Moxon to him. The servant hunts all over 
the house and comes to say her mistress can’t 
be found. Miss Mills doesn’t know where she 
is. Nobody knows where she is. Consterna¬ 
tion of Moxon. I suggest his wife is here. He 



140 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


tells me I’m drunk. Now it vexes me to be 
told I’m drunk, so I don’t tell Moxon that from 
the drawing-room window I had distinctly seen 
a woman hurrying across the fields toward your 
studio. No. I decide to keep that to myself— 
for future use. Moxon thinks his wife is in the 
garden and goes out to look for her. I say, 
8 All right, I’ll look for her, too.” Moxon dis¬ 
appears among the shadows of the garden, I 
come down here. Is she here ? 

Drew. 

No. 

[Hassell hesitates a moment. Then he 
glances at the curtains and then at the 
bookcase. 


Hassell. 

I think I see some cigars there. May I help 
myse2f ? 

Drew. 

Yes, do. 

[Hassell gets up as %f to^ go and, help 
himself but Drew anticipates him by 
moving guickly over to the bookcase 
and bringing the box of cigars and 
pushing rt toward Hassell. Has¬ 
sell nods his head knowingly when 
Drew’s back is turned. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


141 


Hassell. 

[Taking a cigar and lighting it.] I suppose 
you think I’m going to pry. 

Drew. 

Ho. 


Hassell. 

How come, be reasonable; I’m pretty well 
convinced that Moxon’s wife is here, but it’s 
nothing to me whether she is or not. I’m not 
here for Moxon, I’m here for myself. You 
understand? \_A momentary pause.\ Well, 
I’ll be perfectly frank. I’ll admit I’m a 
scoundrel—a damned- 

Drew. 

\Putting his hand up to prevent Hassell’s 
saying more.'] Sh! 

Hassell. 

[(Quickly and craftily.] Will she hear us ? 

Drew. 

There is no one to hear us. 

Hassell. 

Since when did you become so particular 
about language ? 


142 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 
Drew. 

Never mind that. I only want to save you 
the trouble of telling me what you are. I 
know well enough. 

Hassell. 

Yes—well, as I was saying—I’m pretty well 
convinced that Moxon’s wife is here. I think I 
may say I’m quite convinced now ; so I’ll come 
to the point. I want money—from you. 

Drew. 

You won’t get it. 

Hassell. 

We’ll see about that. If you write me a 
check for one thousand pounds, I’ll go straight 
to Moxon and tell him his wife is not here. 

Drew. 

Don’t keep on repeating that preposterous 
story. You see a woman coming in this direc¬ 
tion and you at once fly to‘the conclusion that 
she is Mrs. Moxon coming here. Who’s going 
to take your word against —[he is about to point 
to where she is , then he lowers his arm ] her ? 

Hassell. 

You think I daren’t expose you. You think 
I’m only using threats to see what I can get 
out of you. I want to ruin you. I’m tired of 
seeing you succeed where I fail. In the Service 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 143 


it was always that. You went up and up and 
I went under. And now, again —I was after^ 
Moxon’s wife once, but she turned me down/ 
I failed. But you come along, and it’s easy. 
And then you must both go and spoil my 
chance with Miss Mills. With her money I 
could have saved myself—only you stood in 
my way again—you and your paramour. 

[Drew seizes him cmd forces him on to 
the settee. 


Drew. 

[In a rage. ] You beast—you hound ! I’ll 
kill you like a dog. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

[In loud and terrified tones. ] No, no ! 

[Drew pauses. Mrs. Moxon appears. 
Drew, who has turned toward the 
curtains at the sound of her voice , now 
walks guickly to the table , opens a 
drawer and takes out a check book. 
Hassell watches every movement. 

Hassell. 

That’s right. Make it out for a thousand, 
and I’ll go straight to Moxon and say- 

Mrs. Moxon. 

I forbid. . . . 

[Mrs. Moxon expresses the humiliation 


144 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


she feels in facing Hassell in that 
place. She walks unsteadily , as if 
she could scarcely drag one foot after 
another , but in spite of her physical 
weakness her resolution is firm. 

Drew. 

It’s our only way out of it now. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

I forbid. I won’t save myself by a lie. It’s 
for me to say, and I forbid. 

[Drew, seeing her inflexible , tears the 
check up. 

Hassell. 

[Taking up his hati] Y ery well. You’ve had 
your chance. I suppose you’ve got sense 
enough to see I shouldn’t be likely to be here 
on a job of this sort unless I was pretty des¬ 
perate. I’m ruined without that money. [He 
goes toward the door.\ But I’ll not go under 
alone. 

Drew. 

Hassell! [Following him a few paces. 

Hassell. 

[He goes out , calling loudly .] Hullo, Moxon, 
hullo! 

[Drew and Mrs. Moxon stand fac¬ 
ing each other. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 145 

Moxox. 

[iVW a very long way offJ] Hassell! 

Mrs. Moxon. 

He mustn’t find me here. 

Drew. 

Their cries will have roused the cottage > 
they’ll be looking out. This bright moonlight 
night they’d see you go out of the door. 

Mrs. Moxon. 

You’re right. 

Drew. 

I must make some excuses—I was going 
away, and you came to bid me good-bye—and 
then there’s your life—your blameless life— 
lived day by day before him—these ten years. 
He’s suspicious already, and appearances are as 
bad as they can be. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

Yes, yes. 

Drew. 

If the worst comes to the worst—if he takes 
Hassell’s word; if he won’t believe yours—I 
shall do all I can—I mean afterward, always, 
everything a man can do, I’ll do. I’ll leave 
the Service- 


146 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 
Mrs. Moxon. 

[.Putting up her hands to prevent him.say¬ 
ing more.] 1 mustn’t let you go on. What 
you suggest would be impossible. In case you 
should think otherwise, 1 had better make my¬ 
self quite plain, and tell you that it never could 
be possible—not for me. If he won’t believe 
me —if he thinks I have done something which 
would unfit me to go back to him and the boys 
—it would be the end of my life. Outside my 
home I am nothing. Even if I saw things dif¬ 
ferently—if my upbringing, my ideas, my re¬ 
ligion were not what they are—I’m too old 
now, too set in my ways, to make a change. I 
know vou would do everything to help me 
and I have never met with such devotion as 
yours—but, you see, no one can help me now; 

it’s between him and me. 

[Drew goes to the window , pulls the 
Hind and looks out , expressing grow¬ 
ing mystification as he recounts what 
he sees. 


Drew. 

There’s no one in sight. I can’t make it out. 
The moon makes everything so clear, I thought 
I should have seen him coming. Ah ! People 
moving near the house; three of them a 
woman and two men. How one walks away 
that must be Hassell. He’s coming across the 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 147 

garden as if he were going home, and the others 
are going toward the house. They’ve gone in 
and closed the door. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[In sudden alarm.'] Shut out! He wouldn’t 
even come to look for me. He closed the door 
and left me. 

Drew. 

[Going to for.] Not that. It can’t be that. 
Mrs. Moxox. 

If he loved me, wouldn’t he have come? 
Could he have helped coming ? 

Drew. 

[Seizing her hands.] What have I brought, 
you to ? 

Mrs. Moxox. 

[Resisting him.] Let me go. 

Drew. 

I can’t let you face him alone. 

Mrs. Moxox. 

I’m beyond your help now. 

Drew. 

I can’t let you go like this. Ho—listen. I 
said I’d stand by you, and it’s not only because 


148 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


I owe it to you; it’s more than that. [She 
moves to go.-] It’s from my heart My heart 
is vours! My life is yours! All I have is 
yours if you’ll take it. All I have— everything 
—it’s yours! Don’t go ! 


Mes. Moxon. 

Don’t stop me! Let me go ! Don’t stop me! 

[She frees her hands from his grasp and, 
hurries out, leaving Drew alone in 
the studio. 


CUETAIN 


THE FOURTH ACT 


SCENE. — The same as the first and second acts. 

It is the morning after the events in Act III. 
Miss Mills is arranging flowers in a vase on 
the table. A tray of cut flowers is beside the 
vase. She arranges the flowers and occasion¬ 
ally clips a stem as she talks to Drew, who 
enters from the garden. 

Drew. 

Good-morning, Miss Mills. 

Miss Mills. 

Good-morning. 

Drew. 

You sent for me. 

Miss Mills. 

Yes. I thought of running down to see you, 
but the world is such a gossip—especially Lucy 
Fisher; and Mr. White might have been at the 
window, so to avoid the appearance of anything 
clandestine- 

Drew. 

Yes, yes, but for goodness’ sake, tell me why 
you sent for me. 


149 



150 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Miss Mills. 

To tell you it turned out better than you 
might have expected. 

Drew. 

[ Very much relieved .] Thank God 1 

Miss Mills. 

You evidently know what I mean. 

Drew. 

[On his guards No. 

Miss Mills. 

Then you won’t be at all interested in what 
I was going to tell you. 

Drew. 

[. Embarrassed , but trying to appear casual .] 
Has Mr. Moxon gone to the Works as usual ? 

Miss Mills. 

Yes. 

Drew. 

Ah! 

Miss Mills. 

But that’s nothing to go by. If the house 
were on fire George would go to the Works as 
usual. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


151 


Drew. 

[Anxiously, but carefully .] Isn’t everything 
as usual? 


Miss Mills. 

As far as Mr. Moxon knows, it is. 

Drew. 

[Relieved.~] Ah! 

Miss Mills. 

That’s the main thing, isn’t it ? 

Drew. 

Yes—is it? 

Miss Mills. 

What a to-do there was last night. 

Drew. 

Was there ? 

Miss Mills. 

Don’t pretend you don’t know all about it. 
[She looks at him, but he is. inscrutable .] Mr. 
Moxon would have gone down to see what it 
was—only- 

Drew. 

[Eagerly .] Why didn’t he ? 


152 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


Miss Mills. 

[Delighted.^] Then you are just a little 
curious ? 

Drew. 

[Earnestly.] Why didn’t Moxon go ? 


Miss Mills. 

Because I came to the rescue. 


Drew. 

You? 

Miss Mills. 

The minute they came from the Fishers’ and 
began asking for Martha, I knew where she 
was. 


Drew. 

[ Wondering.] Oh! 


Instinct. 


Miss Mills. 
Drew. 


Beally. 

Miss Mills. 

[Importantly!] Women often feel things are 
happening. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 


153 


Drew. 

Yes, but they—they often feel things are 
happening when they aren’t. 

[l£e moves away so that his bach is to her. 

Miss Mills. 

[Annoyedi] Oh! I’ve a good mind not to 
tell you now for saying that. Well—not unless 
you want to hear more than I want to tell. 
And there must be a tacit understanding be¬ 
tween us that Martha was where we both know 
she was. 

Drew. 

[ Turning to heri\ How should I know where 
Mrs. Moxon was ? 

Miss Mills. 

[ Promptly .] You shouldn’t, but you do. 

Drew. 

Ho. /don’t know, and you don’t know; but 
if what you have to tell me can be of any serv¬ 
ice to Mrs. Moxon, I had better hear it. 

Miss Mills. 

That’s not fair. That’s putting me on my 
honor not to press the point further. I do think 
I might be let into the secret a little more after 
I was such a help. [ With resignation as she 
'places a vase of flowers on the mantelshelf.\ But 
you’d better know what I did. [She comes 


154 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 

close to him. j When that odious Hassell went 
capering down to your place I joined Mr. Moxon 
in the garden. I soon found out his suspicions. 
It’s easier to get things out of him than out of 
you. Well, I spent the time telling him every¬ 
thing I could think of against that Hassell. 
I’d almost convinced him that the creature was 
untrustworthy when he came capering back 
with his story about Martha being —you know 
where. Then Mr. Moxon began to waver, so I 
said, “ Can’t you see the man is in liquor ? ” 
But still he was for going down to look for 
Martha—so I let out at him. I told him if he 
took Hassell’s word against his wife and went 
down there to look for her I should tell her and 
she’d never forgive him. “ But what can I 
do ? ” he said. “ Where must I look for her.? ” 
44 Anywhere but there,” I said. [Drew smiles 
gratefully at Miss Mills.] That made a man 
of him. He was nearly dignified when he sent 
Hassell about his business—and if Mr. Hassell 
had had a tail it would have hung down. Well, 
then—then- 

Drew. 

Then you and Mr. Moxon went into the 
house ? 


Miss Mills. 

What makes you think that ? 



CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 155 

Drew. 

What did you and Moxon do then ? 

Miss Mills. 

We went into the house. [Seriously.] But, 
of course, there was no Martha—and I could 
only suggest she was strolling in the lane and 
had forgotten how late it was. [Her expression 
softens.] After a little while she came home. 
Poor Martha. She just hastened up-stairs with¬ 
out a word. 

Drew. 

Didn’t they meet ? 

Miss Mills. 

[ Faltering .] No—because when I suggested 
she was strolling in the lane—George got 
another idea. You know, there’s a little grave 
in the churchyard and he thought she might 
have gone there—so he went to look. [She is 
vexed at ha/ving nearly made herself cry.] It 
was so silly of him to think of that. He has no 
perception—none at all. [She wipes her eyes 
and tries to cheer herself up.] As soon as 
Martha was safe at home, I dew to George with 
the joyful news. Of course, he was for asking 
her where she’d been, so quick as thought I 
said, “ No. Don’t ask her—because you can’t 
let her know you’ve been anxious without let- 


156 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 

tins; her see you’ve been suspicious too.” So he 
said nothing about it. [She smiles .] Wasn 11 

^ [Drew smiles at her, nods gratefully, 
and then sighs. 

Drew. 

I wish we hadn’t had to spill so many lies. 
Miss Mills. 

[1 Cheerfully .] Oh, but there’s a difference. 
If I tell lies to save myself I’m a liar ; but it 1 
tell them to save a friend—I’m a gentlemaii. 
And now I suppose you’ll sail away ana the 
Moxons will go on just as before. Poor Martha; 
How dreadful it must be to belong to any one. 

Drew. 

[Sadly.] How dreadful it is not to belong to 
any one. 

Miss Mills. 

You , I suppose, are wedded to the sea ? 
Drew. 

Yes, it sounds poetical, but it’s damned cold! 
Miss Mills. 

But an unmarried naval officer is such a free 
lance. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 157 

Drew. 

[ Thoughtfully .] Yes, until you bump up 
against one of the big things and see right 
into the heart of a home. Then, instead of 
saying, “ How humdrum it is,” you say, “ How 
beautiful! ” All those habits and associations 
and family affections—what ballast they give. 
If you’ve neglected to form ties and take up 
responsibilities of your own, you’ve shirked 
your share in the problems of life. And by 
and by you don’t feel any longer how splendid 
it is to be free. You feel envious and ashamed 
and out of it. The joys of the free lance aren’t 
all they are cracked up to be. 

Miss Mills. 

I wish you wouldn’t talk like that. You 
make me feel so uncomfortable. 

Drew. 

\ Surprised.] You? Why you? 

Miss Mills. 

[Nearly crying.] I know perfectly well it’s 
all aimed at me. 

Drew. 

My dear Miss Mills. 

Miss Mills. 

Oh, I know you mean me. I shouldn’t mind 
you saying it—only—it’s so true. I always 


158 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 

meant to marry him some time. I didn’t know 
there was any hurry. You’ve made me feel as 
if he was my last chance. 

Drew. 

[ Kindly .] We never know which is our last 
chance till we’ve lost it. 

Miss Mills. 

[ Thoughtfully.\ I like Mr. White very much, 
but I expected to find love more devouring. I 
ought to be ready to chop off my head for his 
sake. I never felt that way about any one yet. 

Drew. 

I don’t think most people ever do. 

Miss Mills. 

I suppose it would have happened by now if 
it was going to. [Slowly and thoughtfully .] 
Perhaps I’d better- 

Drew. 

Hot if you don’t love him. 

Miss Mills. 

He hasn’t said he wants to marry any one 
else, has he ? He has. I can see he has. It’s 
Lucy Fisher. It’s no use saying it isn’t. If 
it wasn’t, you’d have said so. Lucy Fisher— 
that fat, freckled-faced thing—my best friend, 
too! Oh! She’d better not. [Enter White 



CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 159 

f rom the garden. He wears flannels. Miss 
Mills’s manner changes as soon as White 
appears ; she becomes smiling and gracious. 
Miss Mills, shaking hands with him.] Oh» 
Good-morning, Mr. White. What a pleasant 
morning. Yon look as if you were dressed for 
tennis. 

White. 

Yes. I’m on my way to the Fishers’. 

Miss Mills. 

[ With repressed suspicion and anger : snatch¬ 
ing her hand away.'] The Fishers ! 

White. 

\T° Grew.] I knew I should find you here. 
Drew. 

It’s the last time. 

\He goes off by the window. 
White. 

He really is going away to-day. 

Miss Mills. 

I shall be going away soon, too. 

White. 

{In a matter-of-fact tone.] Oh. 

{He plays with the flowers on the table. 


l6o CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 


Miss Mills. 

You won’t care. 

White. 

Yes, I shall. 

Miss Mills. 

Oh, no, you won’t. Lucy Fisher will be 
here. 

White. 

[In mild surprise .] What makes you say 
that ? 

Miss Mills. 

Nothing. [ Wonderingly.] But I can’t think 
what you can possibly see in Lucy Fisher. 

White. 

She’s a great friend of yours. 

Miss Mills. 

That’s how I know there’s nothing in her. 
White. 

What have you got against her ? 

Miss Mills. 

Nothing; but a girl who wastes her morn¬ 
ings playing tennis- 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE l6l 

White. 

What else should she do ? 

[He smells the flowers. 

Miss Mills. 

Of course, if she’s not domesticated- I 

must go on doing the flowers. 

[She seizes the scissors in one hand and 
some flowers in the other and slips 
their stems. 

White. 

Am I in the way ? [Miss Mills flings the 
scissors on the tray with a clatter .] What’s the 
matter ? 

Miss Mills. 

[ Annoyed , and trying not to cry.] Nothing. 
Please don’t speak to me. 

White. 

Have I said the wrong thing ? 

[Miss Mills turns her back on him. 
White looks puzzled at first , then a 
light slowly breaks over his face. He 
goes straight up to her and embraces 
her.] Izzy! 

Miss Mills. 

[Yielding and falling on his shoulders.] ■ 
Ernest! 



162 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 

White. 

I knew, if I kept on, yon wouldn’t be able to 
resist me. 

Miss Mills. 

[.Disengaging herself and laughing .] Oh! 
How clever of you. 

White. 

I don’t mean because I’m so nice, but it’s the 
only way if one isn’t naturally a winner. 

Miss Mills. 

Don’t say such dreadful things, dearest. I 
always meant to marry you. The idea was 
always at the back of my head. It only needed 
Lucy Fisher to bring it to the front. And— 
and other things have happened that have set 
me thinking a little. 

White. 

[Murmuring. ] Izzy ! [ Re-enter Drew. 

Drew. 

Here’s Moxon coming from the Works. 

Miss Mills. 

You’ll stay and see him ? 

Drew. 

Yes, I’d better—just meet him. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 163 
White. 

I must go on to the Fishers’. 

Miss Mills. 

bCheerfully , to White.] Give my love to 
Lucy. 

White. 

\ ery well — \hesitates , very much embarrassed ] 
darling. [Exit White. 

Drew. 

[Surprised.] Darling! Oh! 

Miss Mills. 

Yes—just now. 

Drew. 

Then you and I are cousins. [Going toward 
her.] Allow me to- 

Miss Mills. 

[Thinking he is going to kiss her.] Not until 
my wedding day. 

Drew. 

Not congratulate you ? 

Miss Mills. 

[Confused and smiling .] Oh ! Thank you. 


164 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 


Drew. 

r Emotionally taking loth her hands and look¬ 
ing in her face.-] I’m so glad-so very glad. 
He’s such a good fellow. I hope you 11 both 
be very happy. [Miss Mills smiles back at 
him ,, realizing , as he does , his own loneliness. 
He turns away from her lef ore he says .J Lie 
knows nothing about last night ? 

Miss Mills. 

I haven’t told him. 


Drew. 

And you don’t think there’s any danger from 
Hassell ? 

Miss Mills. 

Oh, no. I’m sure George will never believe 
anything he says now—only you and I know 
so she’s quite safe; [Enter Moxox with a very 
serious face. Miss Mills, cheerfully .] Cap¬ 
tain Drew has called to say good-bye to us. 

[Moxox looks at Drew. 


Moxox. 

[To Miss Mills.] Has my wife told you 
we can’t ask you to stay any longer ? 

Miss Mills. 

[Surprised.] Ho. 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 165 


Moxox. 

You can’t very well stay here alone with me. 
Martha leaves home to-day. 

[Drew, at the window, looks round . 

Miss Mills. 

For long ? 

Moxox. 

Until I decide what is best to be done. 

Miss Mills. 

Is anything the matter ? 

Moxox. 

I know all about last night. 

Miss Mills. 

You’ve seen Mr. Hassell. You surely don’t 
take his word against ours. 

Moxox. 

Ho, I don’t, but this morning my wife came 
and told me everything herself. 

[Drew and Miss Mills look at each 
other in dismay. 

Miss Mills. 

I must go to Martha. Oh, these good women ! 
Always most dangerous when the danger is all 
over. 

{Exit Miss Mills. Drew takes up his 
hat and then stops. 


166 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 

Drew. 

I can’t go away without speaking a word. 

Moxox. 

[Interrupting him .] Don’t let me hear ex¬ 
cuses. 

Drew. 

I’ve none to make for myself. But she's not 
the one who ought to suffer. She didn’t see 
where she was drifting. I didn’t look ahead. 

Moxox. 

[Turning to Drew resentfully .] Why 
couldn’t you let us alone? We were very 
happy. [He meets Drew’s sorrowful and al¬ 
most reproachful gaze and becomes ashamed.\ I 
didn’t know but what she was happy. 

Drew. 

I don’t suppose you can believe in my good 
faith now. But I’m sure you’ll be fair and put 
the blame in the right place. 

Moxon. 

[.Doubting Drew’s good intentions. ] You 
don’t like to go away feeling you’ve come 
between a man and his wife. 

Drew. 

If I were thinking of myself, would I urge 
you to forgive her ? Last night—down there 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 16/ 

-—while we waited and listened for your com- 
mg—you know in such moments how thoughts 
fly and fancies crowd—it seemed to me that in 
spite of all my efforts to save her, we were 
being forced together. And my heart leaped 
at the thought. 

Moxox. 

[Angrily.] What! 

Dkew. 

But her thoughts were not of ine. They were 
all of home. I was nothing to her then. I 
realized then that her only chance of abiding 
happiness was here. 

Moxox. 

I can’t forgive her. When I think of all I 
went through last night. I thought she was 
grieving for the child—the little girl who died 
—sometimes she gets so depressed about it. 
I’d noticed she was strange last evening, and 
when she was missing last night, I feared she 
might be wandering—an absence like people 
get. I thought of the river. I reproached my¬ 
self so bitterly for having gone out and left her. 
And all the while she was down there with 
you. 

Deew. 

It was what she said to me then which 
changed me—made me see that the only way I 


168 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 

could serve her was to efface myself, to leave 
her to follow the life she had already taken up 
and half lived through. The husband of such 
a woman as your wife need fear no rival. For 
her there is only one man who ever really en¬ 
ters her life. Others may offer her devotion, 
but no one else can bring her happiness. No¬ 
body knows that better than she does. Surely 
the proof is in her confession. After your sus¬ 
picions were at rest—when she had nothing to 
fear— s he came and told you everything herself. 

Moxox. 

Haven’t I given her everything a man could ? 
Haven’t I worked for her and been faithful to 
her ? The least she can do is to be loyal to me. 
She might have known that I love her. 

Drew. 

She was starved—starved for a show of love. 
Women can’t take love for granted all the time. 
There is in every woman such an everlasting 
need for love—love shown and expressed. It’s 
a need of her nature which must be satisfied. 

Moxox. 

I’ve got none of those ways which seem to 
please women. 

Drew. 

If she feels your heart is toward her, I don’t 


CAPTAIN DREW ON LEA VE 169 

think the words and the ways would matter 
much. 

\Enter Mrs. Moxon with a basket of 
keys . 

Mrs. Moxon. 

I’ve brought the keys. 

[She stops as she sees Drew. Drew 
looks ^Mrs. Moxon. Moxon is sit¬ 
ting on the ottoman and does not notice 
Drew. 


Drew. 

Mrs. Moxon, my leave is up. Good-bye ! 

[He goes quickly off. 
[In the following scene Mr. and Mrs. 
Moxon are both timid and embar¬ 
rassed. Mrs. Moxon crosses to 
Moxon and takes a key from the 
basket. 


Mrs. Moxon. 

This is the key of the linen chest — [she puts 
it^ bauk and produces another ] and this is the key 


Moxon. 

[Interrupting her awkwardly .] Martha ! I 
begin to see that for years I’ve not been as kind 
as I might have been. You didn’t think I 
didn’t love you, did you ? 


170 CAPTAIN DREW ON LEAVE 
Mrs. Moxoh. 

We seem not to have thought of that lately. 
It’s so long since you and I had a real talk. 

Moxox. 

I can’t let you go. I can’t. Martha, suppose 
we go together and see the boys. 

* Mrs. Moxon. 

Oh, yes, George—let us go and see the boys. 

\They embrace. 


THE END OF THE PLAY 


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- Season 1925 - 


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BAKER’S PLAYS, BOSTON, MASS. 


























NEW PLAYS AND BOOKS 

- Season 1925 - 

BE AN OPTIMIST By Adam Applebud 

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